It has been an exhausting, yet exhilirating week; a roller coaster ride of emotions. The service for Dad C was awesome. Someone said they thought he would have enjoyed it. I think he would. Kristen put together a wonderful slide show with the help of a church friend. She's trying to post it. Keep checking. There were many tears, and an equal amount of laughter. The stories from the grandkids were priceless. Today is Mom's 88th birthday, and she's having kind of a rough time. Thank the Lord her sister came out just in time and will stay awhile.
Yesterday I was reading in Proverbs, as I have been doing all this year. It was Proverbs 4, for the 4th day of the month. It was verse 18 that struck me as so appropriate for this day, and it epitomizes this godly man:
The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine. (The Message)
Apparently at the very end of his life, he was a blessing to the nurses and aids who worked with him. One day, when he was hunched over in his chair and couldn't sit up any longer, he asked one of the workers to kneel down at his feet. She was a bit taken aback, but she did as he said. He put his hand on her head and prayed for her, blessing her for all she had done for him. It had a profound effect on her.
People sent beautiful flowers, of course. Mom's wishes were for all monetary contributions to go to missions. That makes sense, knowing how they prayed for missions every day. But I want to share a couple of the outstanding arrangements, which were sent by DC's and his sister's employers.
Yesterday I was reading in Proverbs, as I have been doing all this year. It was Proverbs 4, for the 4th day of the month. It was verse 18 that struck me as so appropriate for this day, and it epitomizes this godly man:
The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine. (The Message)
Apparently at the very end of his life, he was a blessing to the nurses and aids who worked with him. One day, when he was hunched over in his chair and couldn't sit up any longer, he asked one of the workers to kneel down at his feet. She was a bit taken aback, but she did as he said. He put his hand on her head and prayed for her, blessing her for all she had done for him. It had a profound effect on her.
People sent beautiful flowers, of course. Mom's wishes were for all monetary contributions to go to missions. That makes sense, knowing how they prayed for missions every day. But I want to share a couple of the outstanding arrangements, which were sent by DC's and his sister's employers.
If you can enlarge the one on the right, you'll see some very unusual flowers - the hydrangea is a color I've never seen before. There are some bright red velvety ones that are just gorgeous, but I can't remember the name. Does anybody know?
I've mentioned before that I work at a large university. It was the ag school for many years. Because of its roots, it still has a rather ag feel in some ways. There is a huge horticultural presence and every year they plant the most fabulous array of flowers in an experimental setting. I took quite a few shots the other day and hope you can get a sense of how beautiful this spot is.
I'm going to end this rambling post today with a song that I have run across four times in the last few days. I take that as a message that I should share it.
In His Time
In His Time
He makes all things beautiful
In His Time
Lord, please show me every day
As you're leading me Your way,
That you do just what You say
In Your Time
16 comments:
Dealing with death is a lot easier I think when there is faith in the Savior. It seems like your family is doing well considering the loss you have experienced.
I enjoyed the pictures of the beautiful flowers you shared :-)
I'm glad it was such a nice service, Dawn. It's hard to lose someone you love so much but it really does help when his family shares their tributes. The photos are gorgeous. I, of course, know where you work since I used to live on your side of the Rockies. I think there's a good chance my daughter will be moving to your fair city in about a year, right after she gets married and her new husband starts graduate school there.
Bev is near there now but honestly, her schedule for this trip, traveling all over Colorado, is so insane she barely has time to breathe. She just left here this morning. After driving all the way to Grand Junction, she and Don were only here for 36 hours.
I hope Kristen gets her slideshow put together so we can see it.
Glad to hear the memorial service and funeral turned out well. Glad Anna has her sister for company. It is a very emotional time, full of ups and downs. Nice that the Grandchildren all were able to share their memories too. I think the ways of the righteous do glow with light,Dawn. I am sure your Dad C touched many lives.
I am glad you are getting back to your normal routine. Missed you! :) The pictures were absolutely breathtaking! I would probably live out there on my breaks if I were you! :)
My sympathies to you and your family, Dawn.
Gorgeous pictures, and I think the red one you asked about is probably cock's comb, or celosia.
Hi Dawn,
Welcome back!!
(((hugs)))
What a legacy to leave to you and your family. The leaning down and praying for the nurse reminds me of Jacob leaning on his staff and blessing his sons. Blessing is part of the life of a believer. I will pray for you and your family. Thank goodness for God's peace...like a river...
I'm so happy that the service was nice. I've lost relatives in recent years and I understand just how hard the service can be.
I just found your blog,and I am sorry to hear about the death. I loved the flower pictures. The photos are just gogeous. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.
Blessings,
Nancy
The flower photos you posted from your college are lovely.
Glad that your FIL's service was such a comfort to you and yours..
I'm glad that you had a wonderful service. What a wonderful man to bless the nurse like that. Wow. He did not lack love at all, did he?
The flowers at your campus are so lovely. Very nice pictures.
Oh I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't even realize... That site was beatiful and colorful - very nice pictures.
Thank you so much for taking the time to come by and check on us; bless your heart. We'll be starting our homeschool next week. Right now Alexis needs to get well; she has pneumonia.
God bless you and your family during this time.
I need to add you to my reader so I can remember to come by regularly - gonna do that right now. ;)
Diane - you are right! I googled celosia and found this exact flower. That's amazing that you could tell that. I think we should plant some around here. They are such a gorgeous red. I read that they also are bright yellow. I am wondering if tjpse fiery colored ones in the university flower beds are another version.
Funerals can be so sad but like you said, there can also be a lot of laughter, especially when some of the family or friends relate a story about the deceased person. Everyone will have their memories of him and his legacy will live on forever. Oh wow, the flowers at the college are just gorgeous!! How I'd love to walk around to admire them:-)
Hi Dawn, hope you're managing to get a bit of rest this weekend. I think it is so inspiring that he was such a testimony even in his last days. I pray that I can live my life half so well.
Your pictures are beautiful. I'll keep your family in my prayers.
The flowers are all beautiful!
I'm looking forward to seeing the tribute.
I love the idea of a slideshow...how perfect a way to remember. The flowers are gorgeous and so are the grounds. Beauty leaves a comforting image in our minds...its a good thing I think. I have good memories...closure of leaving Mom's body laid to rest in a lovely place too.
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