Clare/Mom and I are in TN today. Her Dad has been ill, and we came down here Sunday evening at very short notice. We spent the day with him Monday, and he went home to be with the Lord Tues. a.m., and we were privileged to be able to bury his body yesterday evening on the family property. It was a great time of rejoicing as we laid his spent body to rest. We've been having an awesome time along with many of Clare's 14 other siblings, and with several of the grandchildren that could be here at this time and those that have been here recently, celebrating his homegoing. What a happy time picturing him leaping and skipping about in the joy and presence of the Lord with so many that have gone before him! At the same time of course, we feel for Grandmother, who was very much hoping to finish her race/pilgrimage before he did, and will miss him very much in the interim.
This whole thing has been such a great honor and privilege to participate in. I had the privilege of assisting Tony, who I was so impressed with and inspired by his gentle and loving leadership, in lovingly attending to all the needs of his bed-ridden Dad who couldn't do those things that we are all privileged to do for ourselves, while at the same time supporting his hurting Mom. Tony, and other family members taking shifts, were there tirelessly around the clock for weeks to try to attend to his every need.
We are just so thankful that we could be here to be present at this wonderful time of celebration of his homegoing! We have seen, and will continue to see, the Hand of God move in so many "miraculous" ways in touching so many family members in so many wonderful ways.
Thank you all for your loving care and support.
With much love,
Mom & Dad/Clare & Jeff
Hello Jeff,
ReplyDeleteAs you can see, I copied your letter which you posted as a comment on the post "Tell Me What You Think". It certainly deserves a post of its own!
Love,
Hope