Today is my father’s birthday. If he were still with us he would be 74. I still remember the look of sadness on Dad’s face the last birthday he spent with us. He knew that his body was failing him, and despite his fighting spirit, he would not be able to overcome what the cancer was doing to his body for much longer.
It was heartbreaking to witness, and not be able to acknowledge the truth of the situation. At the time, we were all desperately fighting the cancer with hope, as if thinking positive thoughts would’ve willed the illness away. To acknowledge the truth would’ve been to give in and be defeated, and that was not an option. There were still things he wanted to do in his life, milestones he wanted to achieve, like celebrating 50 years of marriage with my mother. However, the healing we prayed for came, just not in the way we willed.
On this day three years ago, there was a wistfulness, an underlying sorrow to the forced cheerfulness in the atmosphere. And yet, God’s grace was present as well. In the gracious humility that Dad accepted the situation, in the love my Mum and the four of us were able to show him in our acts of service – to the end.
Happy Birthday Dad. May you be at the Lord’s side, interceding for us. Continue to guide us and bless us with your love and wisdom. Till we are all together again. Much love and XXX
No comments:
Post a Comment