A message from Dad

My dad has been gone for 21 months now. Some days its easier and some days its like he just passed. I know that grief is a process; a lengthy process.

My sisters often talk about how they dream about our father. Or they get little nudges from him.

I haven't experienced any of that. I wish I did. I would love to see him just 1 more time or hear his voice again. Sure I have pictures and a recording, but that's not the same. It's not personal.

Today at church, we closed with a song. It's an oldie but a goody: Because He Lives by Bill Gaither. We're talking old school hymn which isn't typical for our church. Yet as I read those words on the screen, it was like I saw them for the first time. I mean REALLY saw them. Those words spoke right to my soul. So deep. So powerful.

And exactly the message I needed to hear from my Dad.

"And then one day, I'll cross the river,

I'll fight life's final war with pain;

And then, as death gives way to victory,

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!"

-- Because He Lives, Bill Gaither

What powerful imagery! As my father took his final breaths, he saw glory. God's glory. Greeted by the Heavenly hosts. Can you imagine the scene before him? Pearly gates, streets of gold & God's love. That's what we as Christians look forward to. 

I know I will be reunited with my dad again... when it's my turn to "cross the river". And he'll be there on the other side with open arms waiting for me.

God, thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the sweet message from my beloved daddy. It was able to heal my heart just a little bit more.

Because He Lives - Browns Bridge Church

Many blessings,

Prom, jealousy & pride

About a week ago, Songbird went to the junior/senior prom. I still can't believe that I am old enough to have a child going to prom. I mean, didn't I just go to MY prom?

It was a lot of fun getting her ready. Trying on dresses, picking out shoes. Hair, makeup, corsage. I don't remember there being all that much to take care of, but it was 25 years ago. Clearly my memory is fading.

One of the most special moments of her prom was just before she was getting ready to leave. Songbird decided she was just going to meet up with friends at the prom. The Mayor decided he wanted to make sure she had at least 1 dance.

As she came out of her room looking stunning, he asked her to dance.

Not just any dance.... but to "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman.

Ladies, if I didn't love my husband before.... he certainly managed to capture my heart all over again.

There we were in our kitchen, watching daddy and daughter dance and I had a pang of jealousy. Jealousy because my daughter was getting the relationship with her father that I had always longed for with mine. Soon my jealousy passed and I swelled with pride. My husband was being the father that God has called him to be. I can't ask for anything more. In that very moment, I was so happy for my daughter because she was experiencing a little piece of Heaven.

Many blessings,