What a hard, emotional week this past week was for me, along with all the family. It all began the day we got the news that my dad had joined mom at heaven’s gates. We had gone out to visit dad just two weeks prior to his death and we knew then that he wasn’t physically well…we could see him declining more each day we were there…along with truly being a heart broken man. His last words to me were “I’m so lonely” and the tears just started flowing. I left Abilene an emotional wreck and so much wished I could have brought him home with me. No one should be that lonely!!!
We left home on Tuesday, the 15th, and drove back to Abilene arriving there on Wednesday afternoon. It was heart wrenching to see daddy in his casket, but he looked so peaceful and we knew he was no longer lonely. Praise God for that!!! It was good seeing the different family members…seems we only see each other at funerals or weddings…along with friends and other extended relatives. I guess that’s the plus side to all of this! Thursday was the visitation and the funeral on Good Friday. There wasn’t much we were able to do, so we packed up and headed for home early Saturday morning.
We have never driven from Abilene to the Nashville area in one day, but we did this time. A 14 + hour ride has been a tad much for my back and I’m still paying a price for agreeing to go that far in one day…the pain should be gone in another day, or so. It was good seeing Carter and Lori though, getting to worship on Sunday, and then to finally get home on Sunday evening. Of course, getting home didn’t mean we’d be getting any rest, etc. George immediately began mowing our yard and the the yard at the “blue house” while I got everything unpacked and put away before I began the washing.
Since our guest had just left the “blue house” I had all the sheets and towels from there and our weeks worth of laundry…I finished it up this morning. Once we get the “blue house” cleaned for our next group coming in, I might even start on chasing some of the dust bunnies out of here…then again, maybe I won’t! I did plant some more flowers today at both places and they all look so pretty. Some of the flowers I planted before we left, got a little freeze burn on them but I’m hoping they’ll bounce back with the beautiful weather we’re currently having.
Thanks to all that prayed for us during daddy’s death and for all of our travels. It’s so good to be home and to try and get back to whatever our normal might be. I am so thankful for the faith both of my parents had and what a joy to know they are together again, along with our Lord, and neither one is in pain or lonely. They will be missed but we have lots of good memories to enjoy for our remaining years. Love to you all.
Blessings…….
