September is a season of change.
A cool front moved across the country and down through here yesterday bringing temperatures some 10 degrees below "normal" for the rest of the week around here. The weather is lovely this morning.
And I’m thinking of my dad. Today is the 12th anniversary of the last day of his life here on earth with us and, as most of you know, I spent that entire lovely day with him, savoring every moment.
I write of his death today, not tomorrow, the date he actually died, because once we found his body early the next morning, he was gone. It was obvious. Those were the first words I spoke to my mother. "He’s gone."
I choose to remember his life. He lived it as a Godly man, and he is now resting in the Lord until that great day of resurrection.
Here is a photo of him when he was about 28 with my little brother, Mark, who died as a little child of 8 from brain cancer. They remain in my memory as they were in this photo.
I’m also remembering fondly today Tom’s daughter, Kim. Sunday was the 6th anniversary of her death, which came suddenly and tragically, unlike the death of my dad. She was a bright and shining shooting star who was with us for too short a time and then was gone.
But, we remember her, still, and our love for her remains alive through our love for her little daughter, Hayley. Here is a picture of Kim and Hayley together not long before Kim died. This, too, is how we remember Kim – always young and beautiful with a lively spirit that now rests with God.
Their lives here on earth now seem as ephemeral as fog.
But all of our lives to come will be spent together in the glories of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and of our Father, God.
May God richly bless you all today. Cheers & many Blessings to you! Dee
September brings some sadness to your memories. I can’t imagine losing one of my children, especially as Tom did. Suddenly and without warning or explanation. The picture of your Dad and Mark is a great picture. I hope you have a lot of joy in your heart over the memories. Imagine the memories without any joy? That would be sad, indeed.
Cheers back to you! Hope you are feeling better, or will do so soon.
Thanks for sharing your heart with us today!
Wonderful memories, Dee. God bless.
Thanks so much for this post. Much Love, Kristine
Such pain! My prayers are with you, Dee. You are beloved here and in the heavenlies.
Thanks, Dee for the e-mail. Sorry, I was out of pocket for so long. I did blog this morning of our experience of Ike.
I can relate to your memories of sadness. I lost a brother at the age of 36 and it is hard to lose children! My parents lost two of their own and one through foster care.
Greg is right, joyful memories help the sadness!
Now I can relate for those who have lost everything, even some family members through the last few days with Hurricane Ike.
God is merciful and he can heal with time. At least lessen the pain!
Dee, I know you’re so thankful for all of their lives, but so sad they’re not with you today. I’m sorry, but trust that God will keep on sending comfort to you and yours.
Powerful September memories. I turned 50 yesterday and I can’t help but think about all the birthdays my Mom and Dad shared with me who are no longer here. God bless.