Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Celebrating a man deeply admired


 
Happy Birthday to my Father-in-law, Clarence. October 22, 2014, would have been his 81st birthday. He was a man who worked hard, played hard, and loved deep. He had a twinkle in his eye, an easy laugh, and a hankering for sweets.

For a little over twenty-one years, I have lived near my father-in-law. Yet, I learned more about the depth of his character during the last 13 months of his life than all the years before. Oh, his character was there all along but the depth of it was revealed through a long trial of watching him struggle to breathe in the hospital for months. It is hard to remember those days of suffering – it was equally hard to see his wife so distraught at his distress. And yet, it was in the suffering, that I saw a man worthy of my deep admiration.

He left a strong legacy in his daughter and five sons. This year he celebrates his birthday with Jesus.

In a few days from now, we will remember the last day we saw him alive. Then, a few more days and we will remember the day he went to be with Jesus. We miss you Clarence!
 
 
Some links to the other part of the story:
and one of my favorites from this season:


We grieve with hope, as it says in I Thessalonians 4:13-14:

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus."

6 comments:

  1. Friend, we lost my father-in-law a little over a month ago now and I miss him terribly. His parting was unexpected so I'm steal dealing with a bit of anger about it but my God has strong enough shoulders to bear my pain and my anger. It seems as if you also were blessed to have a wonderful father-in-law.

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    1. Gaby, I noticed your post about the loss of your father-in-law. Our grief is shouldered by a long journey first, with seeming improvement. He was still fragile. But the grief is about the whole process for me, I think. It is hard to put in words and not many want to discuss grief and it is such an ill-fitting garment. And Yes, I was very blessed to have a wonderful father-in-law. And yes, our God can shoulder any emotions we have, even if they feel unacceptable to us.

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  2. My husband and I have lost all of our parents now, three are in heaven and my mother-in-law is lost to us in the world of Alzheimers. But, each one loves Jesus, has left a rich heritage, and we will see them again, whole and well! I'm next to you at SDG this week.

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    1. Hmmm. I like how you put it that your mother-in-law is lost to you in the world of Alzheimers. Well said. We can celebrate the good things, that they left a the rich heritage, that they love Jesus, and that we will see them again someday. Thanks for the reminder.

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  3. Kathleen, your father in law may be gone but he lives on through your words and the legacy he left with his children. What a wonderful way to honor him, "Mr. Concrete." :-)

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    1. Thank you Jody for your encouragement and noticing the "Mr. Concrete."

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Thanks for being part of the conversation...I love hearing from you. Kathleen

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