Earlier this spring my Dad was diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer - an incurable but very treatable rare cancer in the lining of the lungs. I asked friends and family to pray for his surgery the end of May to remove the lining around his left lung and part of his upper lobe. While it was a challenging road this spring, by late June the surgery report was so encouraging that his cancer stage was downgraded and his oncologist wasn't sure if he would need chemo or radiation at all.
Mid to late July he had a scary fall in the barn taking the full impact on the concrete to his chin and we were back at the ER. Thankfully he came out of it with 6 stitches on his chin and a few broken teeth, but no broken bones or jaw or any other head trauma. By the end of July we were moving upward again - his stitches and 3 broken teeth were removed and we saw his oncologist - still no chemo or radiation! He was getting stronger and healthier and coming out to the barn to help more as he was able, even driving the tractor to the field a few times.
But early Thursday morning, August 13th, I found him unresponsive yet breathing after suffering a major stroke in the night. Unfortunately, there was too much bleeding and swelling on his brain and nothing they could do. My mom, brother, 3 sisters and I were all able to visit with him and say our good-byes throughout the day, not knowing how long we would have but knowing it would be soon.
Friday morning, August 14th, I received the call from the hospice nurse letting me know he passed away at 6:49am.
As I sat on the porch looking out over the pasture and the cows grazing peacefully, the sun about to come up, I was deeply saddened to know I would never talk to him or look in his eyes again - at least not here. And yet I also breathed a sense of hope and peace at the same time, knowing that he knew and loved Jesus and that he was welcomed fully into His presence that morning. He met Jesus. He was fully healed. And I will see him again one day and get to spend eternity with him.
We already miss him terribly. I still expect to see him walking into the barn during chores or sitting on the couch resting or watching the news. I think we're all still in a bit of shock by the sudden turn of events after the roller coaster of the last 5 months. But I am so incredibly grateful that I chose to move back to Ohio and live with my parents on the farm for this past year. I had no idea what this year would hold, but Jesus did in His goodness and in His sovereignty.
We already miss him terribly. I still expect to see him walking into the barn during chores or sitting on the couch resting or watching the news. I think we're all still in a bit of shock by the sudden turn of events after the roller coaster of the last 5 months. But I am so incredibly grateful that I chose to move back to Ohio and live with my parents on the farm for this past year. I had no idea what this year would hold, but Jesus did in His goodness and in His sovereignty.
I'm grateful for the past 5 months of pandemic quarantine spent with my family while working from the farm. I'm grateful for the hours spent with my Dad this spring and summer going to doctor's appointments, driving back and forth to Cleveland, and caring for him after his surgery. We had so much sweet time together this past year. Of course I wish I had more time with him, but I know eventually I'll have that again, just not here.
I appreciate your prayers for our family as we walk through this together. I can't imagine walking through this without each other and without the hope and peace we have in Jesus. And I know that if even one person comes into a relationship with Jesus because of my dad losing his life on this earth, it would be worth it to him. I keep praying that maybe Jesus would do that. My dad would be so honored and grateful. And so would I.
He was a loving, faithful man who loved Jesus and loved his family well. I'm so proud and honored and blessed that I get to call him my Daddy.
If you would like to read more about my incredible Dad and the legacy he left, you may find his obituary along with video from his Celebration of Life held Tuesday August 18th at the link below. It was a beautiful worship service, celebrating and honoring his life while also honoring and pointing to Jesus, the One he faithfully loved and served.
