My Dad passed into his eternal home this past Friday.

Aug 9, 2022, 1:37 PM

My Dad was a great fisherman, a great golfer, mechanically-minded, and an avid Clemson fan. I inherited one of those traits. He and my Mom made sure we had plenty of great memories as my brother and I grew up.

I learned several things from my Dad, but the most important things were that Jesus loved me and wants to redeem me, singing (especially hymns) when you are downhearted always helps, and fairness - "There's 'he said' and there's 'she said' and the truth is typically in the middle."

Dad started showing signs of dementia about 5-6 years ago. This was worsened when his prostate cancer returned about a year and a half ago and metastasized into his hip bones. Then, about two weeks ago he had a very bad headache. After a CT scan showed no aneurism, the ER determined he had a bad migraine. A few days later he had another one. After that, my Dad's health declined considerably with significant agitation until Mom had to request Hospice care to provide a respite. The Hospice nurse came in for an assessment and agreed. But, somehow, which we have yet to determine, Dad tested positive for Covid. Therefore, he could not be placed in the Hospice house for the respite.

But, God knows the plans He has for us. Thankfully, Mom is a retired nurse. So, she and I were able to take care of him once Hospice had a hospital bed sent to the house. This past Thursday and Friday we knew he was in his final days on this Earth. My brother and sister-in-law were able to get here Friday evening. Dad was unresponsive at this time. But, we went in and told him Mom would be taken of; she told him she would be OK.

After some discussions, my brother and his wife left to head to their hotel. After they left, Mom said we needed to get Dad ready for the night. After a minute or two, I joined Mom in the room, and she was singing hymns to Dad. I joined in. We sang for about 5-10 minutes and were singing when Dad passed from this broken world into a perfect, eternal home with our Lord and Savior. What a blessing to have passed away in the home he loved and with Mom and I singing to him!

Dad had already prepared his obituary. All I had to do was make a few modifications. The Friday morning before Dad passed, Mom and I prepared the funeral service with hymns he loved. Dad had already chosen the Psalms he wanted included in his funeral service. The two pastors had already been notified. The funeral service both glorified our Lord and honored my Dad very well.

Thank you for allowing me to share this story. I know the Clemson family extends beyond just our immediate family and friends. Please be in prayer for my Mom as she starts the process of grieving and getting other matters in order. She is a strong lady and will do well. Plus, she has the sweetest dog in the world to keep her company when I can't be there.

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"When I was young, I was sure of many things; now there are only two things of which I am sure: one is, that I am a miserable sinner; and the other, that Christ is an all-sufficient Saviour. He is well-taught who learns these two lessons." -John Newton

My Dad passed into his eternal home this past Friday.

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