Update on Daddy: My Birthday Gift

Daddy went home to Jesus yesterday afternoon. I was able to spend the last 15 hours by his side. I held his hand, prayed, sang his favorite hymns, reminded him that Jesus was waiting for him, and told him how much we loved him. He knew I was there, even though he couldn’t speak. At one point I said the Lord’s Prayer, his favorite prayer, and he squeezed my hand in recognition. When it was time to go, Daddy went peacefully.

Yesterday also happened to be my birthday. I don’t consider it a coincidence that Daddy passed away on my birthday. I believed the Lord gave me the most precious birthday gift I could ask for--the knowledge that Daddy was finally face-to-face with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, experiencing fullness of joy in His presence. So although I am grieving my loss and miss him more than words can say, the peace, joy and the sweet comfort of the Lord eclipses my sorrow.

God has been gracious. I am filled to overflowing with praise and thanksgiving to Him.

Thank you so much for your prayers through this entire journey with my Daddy. God has allowed me to see Daddy cross the finish line, and I look forward with anticipation to being reunited with him one day.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15