I've been MIA as I took a whirlwind trip home. You see, my dad is on hospice, and the nurses didn't think he was going to make it. My siblings and I all went home (my sister lives there) to be with our dad. As it turns out, he got over the pneumonia and pulled through. He has lung disease, so he struggles to breathe everyday. Any little virus or bacteria make breathing nearly impossible for him. I am so happy my friend, Naomi, used her airline benefits to fly me home in a flash. What would we do without caring, helpful friends? I am grateful.
It was hard to go home under these circumstances, but wonderful to be together as a family. So many memories together. And I pray God blesses my mother, who constantly and sacrificially cares for my ill father. She won't even leave his side to go to the store. She is a strong person, I've always thought so, but I still see it in action even now at her age of 77.
Life is uncertain. We never know when God will call us home. We don't know why my dad is still living, when the nurses say all other patients they know in his condition, don't last. I marvel when I look back at the changes he made upon becoming a Christian. He gave up cursing, smoking and drinking cold turkey. He faithfully attended all services of the church. He worked as a greeter and organizer each service. He used his talents for the Lord. He taught us to give. Even before we were taught the truth, dad led by example in praying at each meal, giving God thanks for our blessings, buying us Bibles and instilling in us a reverence and love for our Creator. I always think that's why it was easy for our family to obey the Gospel once we were taught, because dad & mom taught us to respect God from an early age.
Perhaps Dad still has more work to do on earth before he goes home to heaven. That is our greatest comfort, knowing that we can all be together again in that Great Day.
FAMILY
