This Buick Roadmaster carried 17 people to church once!
All of these photos were taken by Dad's granddaughter, Kate Saler
Right up to the last day Dad loved to read his Bible.
John 14:1-6My Dad was promoted to Heaven a week ago today. His heart gave out after serving him well for 78 years. He had lost a lot of weight over the past 18 months ~ he weighed just 130 pounds. He was on oxygen at home and he could not speak easily because of fluid on his lungs. He never smoked but his docs think he might have had lung cancer. They didn't do a biopsy or drain the fluid because of his frail condition.
Dad was at peace about his death ~ he knew the Lord was waiting for him with open arms. Two nights before he passed I spoke with Mom and had to apologize for snapping at her (I had a tension headache, nausea and a bad backache). About 10 minutes later Mom called back, said Dad wanted to pray with me and put me on speaker. It was beautiful listening to my Dad, who loved me so much, pray with complete assurance that even with his halting speech his prayer would be heard and answered. I cried.
Most of the funeral arrangements had already been made. Some of Dad's pastor friends were at his house recently ~ discussing the service and praying with him. They were able to have a short communion service with Dad and Mom, which everyone appreciated.
I'm very glad that I was able to attend the last Sunday morning service (in July '09) that Dad was able to lead. He had been my pastor since I was 7 or 8 years old and I still compare every preacher I hear to Dad.
There are many reasons I'm blessed to have had this man as my Dad. I'm crying again now but I know he doesn't want us to be sad. Dad was gone before I made it to his home again last Friday but I know he'll be waiting for us with open arms when we go Home.
Tiger Lily's Mom
29 comments:
Our thoughts and sympathies at this difficult time.
(((hugs))) So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very sad time. Also, want to say the photos are wonderful. The first one really does speak 1000 words.
What a beautiful tribute. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love and hugs (and puggy kisses) your way.
xo
I will grieve with you. My Dad passed 8 years ago and I will always miss him I know he is waiting for me someday. I got the call that he was in his last days while in CA on business. I flew back to Dallas and we drove the rest on the way, but I was too late. Do not live regretting that you were not at his side. He understands.
Take comfort in the Lord and our prayers are with you.
We are so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing those wonderful photos and such a sweet tribute.
Please take care.
~William, Olivia, Caroline, Russell, Gracie, and Mom.
I'm so sorry for you at this hard time. You know where he is, but it still hurts because he is not here.
Cindy
We are so sorry to hear this.
We just stopped by to catch up with friends we haven't visited recently.
Coincidentally we have a death in the family too.
Our Great Grammie died yesterday. She was 10 days away from turning 101.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad sounded like a wonderful man.We are glad he lived a good life and was happy and at peace.
{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}} to you ,your Mom and all the family.
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. (((hugs)))
We are so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Condolences at the loss of your Dad. We hope your family takes comfort in knowing that your Dad was ready to make the transition. xoxo
We are so very sorry for your loss - but know your dad was welcomed Home into God's loving arms.
Your photos are truly beautiful. Thank you for sharing such loving pictures with us!
God's blessings and comfort -
Karen - mom of the Ao4
I'm sad with you about your dad. But he is in God's Arms.
Yes, there is something sad about being the child of your minister, but rewarding, too. You got to see God's love every day as your father spread it to others. You got to experience a true Christian home of love which has guided you in your own.
My dad baptized me and confirmed me into our church. A minister.
Yes, I know your sadness. Your grief, and the many blessings that surround you.
Smile for he is with God, not suffering. And you will see him again.
Mama Carol
I'm so sorry he has left you, I know how sad that must be. But it's wonderful that he and you can rejoice in him going "home" too. Suffering is awful...
My heart goes out to you and I wish my arms could go around you to comfort you. I'm glad you were able to go home.
You tell Kate please she is a talented photographer! those are beautiful pictures she took and if she isn't already in the biz, she could be! What precious memories she helped create!
I've known you for a while and we talk from time to time and I didn't know you were a PK! And a PROUD PK to boot! Extra special memories there, your father's words must have often been a comfort to you...
big hugs from us
Pam, aka prairiesunshine, aka the Mama
Angel & Taz
(and Prince Daddy too!)
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your dear father. That was our mom's hardest loss. His bible looked like it was well loved.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
(((HUGS)))
That is a very moving tribute to your dear Dad. We are so sorry for your loss. we send you rumbly purrs and love
Whicky
Oliver
Gerry
& The Mum
We're deeply sorry for your loss and extend our sympathies.
We're sending purrs and universal healing Light, and wishing you and your entire family Blessings and Peace.
-Kim, with Annie, Nicki, Derry and "angel" Chumley at Fuzzy Tales
What a beautiful tribute to your beloved Father. I am so sorry for you loss.
Sending you hugs and purrs
Abby,Boo,Ping,Jinx,Gracie & Mom Debra
May the memory of love outweigh the grief of being left behind.
Many purrs & prayers from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde and their Feeders.
Rebecca ~ we share in your loss.
Many prayers to you, and yours,
affectionately,
Ann
Maggy & Zoey
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love to you and your Mom and the rest of your family,
{{{hugs}}}
Karen (Mum), Gypsy & Tasha
We're so sorry for the loss of your dad. This post is a loving tribute to him -- and to your mom who held his hand for all those years. We know you are all missing him! {{{hugs}}}
Mom and I are so sorry to hear of your loss of your dad. We know you loved him very much. Hugs and purrs to you.
My sisters and I are so sorry to hear about your Dad and we send you our warmest purrs and prayers.
So sorry to hear of you loss.
What a lifetime you fit into that blog post. I feel I know you and your family, very moving. It is a comfort that you know your father is in heaven and you will be there with him someday.
May the Lord give you strength as your grieve and comfort your mother.
We are so sorry for your loss. Those Bible verses are comforting. We pray for you.
We also are so very sorry to hear about your dad. It was a beautiful post, and we love the wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing such sacred moments.
Julie and Poppy Q
I am so very sorry about your Dad. I know how hard it is to lose a father.
We hope you and your family are doing okay. Just thinking of you. Purrs and tail wags.
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