Of all the emotions and thoughts running through my mind throughout the past week, after my Dad's funeral yesterday the one thing that keeps running through my mind is this:
I am so proud of who he was.
The Streator Fire Department and our minister from CCC did an amazing job honoring my Dad in a service that would have made him cry...and he was not a crier. It was so perfectly fitting (tying in every aspect of his life...including his love for Texas Hold 'Em in such a creative way...) It was the most honorable thing I have ever been a part of or experienced, and it has been unbelievable to see and experience the outpouring of love we have felt from friends, family, the community, the church, and even complete strangers. Shelly did an incredible job honoring Dad with her voice, and he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I'm just sad he couldn't sing the duet to "Chances Are" along with her like he always wanted to.
The morning my dad died, it was really foggy outside. It doesn't seem the fog has cleared, and things still seem like a blur. There are a lot of things that I still don't understand and none of us may ever understand. I've never clung to the "peace that passes all understanding" more than I have this week. My family and I have gone through so many emotions...thankfully including a lot of laughter at old pictures and memories and stories about my Dad.
I have about a million things I want to write and journal about, but the one thing I want the world to know is simply that I am proud of who my Dad was. If you knew him, I hope you are too.
2 comments:
Mandy, This post is so beautifully written. I'm sad all over again just thinking about the events of this past week, but I am happy knowing that your Dad is no longer sick or in pain, and he is looking down on you all with more love than ever imagined. Your Dad was a great man, always happy, always smiling...even when I beat him in poker!! :) You have every right to be proud of who he was, because he was good. I love you and your family so much, and I wish nothing but good things for you all in the coming new year. Give everyone a hug for me!! And please know that Jason, me, and many others will always feel a void now that your dad is gone....but we know that God has a plan and it's our job to trust Him. You are an awesome daughter and sister, sister-in-law, and aunt...and your strength and love for God is truly amazing! I love you!
Jennifer
Mandy,
This post brought tears to my eyes. Even though I have never met your dad, I can see that he brought a lot of joy and love to this world. Thank you for sharing your heart. You are in my prayers this day and days to come. I pray you will able to cling to Jesus.
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