Remembering Grandpa

One year ago today we said goodbye to my dad. We said goodbye and let him go. He went home. He went home to be with his Father, his Savior, His Lord. At that moment my heart felt as if it had been crushed, but my soul rejoiced. My dad was healed. He was given a new body free from all pain. I miss my dad terribly, but this one thing gives me peace and joy. He is healed. He is sitting at the feet of Jesus and he is whole. His only concern is Jesus, His only thought is God.

I often find myself thinking of my dad, wondering what he is doing at that very moment. I always picture him sitting at his drums with his head back, his eyes closed and his arms flailing all around, leading the beat of the angels praises to God!

Today I am sad because I can’t hug my dad. I can’t feel his scratchy wiskers on my cheek, I can’t smell his scent. I can’t see his smile or hear his laugh. But, I can remember the time he prayed with me, sitting on his lap, to ask Jesus into my heart. I can remember hundreds of family dinners that ended in laughter-induced stomachaches. I remember several Christmas mornings driving around looking for an open restaurant for breakfast. I remember his voice change on the phone when I told him I was getting married and I remember the look on his face when he saw me in my wedding dress. I remember the proud smile on his face when he first saw Gavin, and then again with Emma. I remember him playing drums, eyes closed, worshipping the Lord for almost 30 years. I think of all these things and realize that the list is endless.

A couple of weeks ago Gavin asked me if we could listen to “grandpa’s music.” A few years ago my dad recorded an album with the praise band and choir from Fellowship in the Pass. We hadn’t listened to it in quite a while so we were excited to turn it on and listen together. Emma asked me to dance so I scooped her up and within a couple of minutes I was weeping out loud. I looked at Gavin, his face was wet with tears and he wanted to be a part of the dance. As I turned to look at Conor he was coming up behind us, tears flowing, also wanting to be part of our dance. We danced and sang and cried together for most of the album. I am so blessed to have my dad’s music. I am blessed to have so many beautiful memories of my dad praising God. He loved to worship God.

This video clip is Gavin and Emma dancing. Right on the other side of the door, my dad was playing the drums. We could hear him loud and clear and the kids joined right in. This was the last time he played the drums for church. He worshiped God until the very end. That is how I remember my dad. I pray that Gavin and Emma would remember this too. And I pray that like my dad, we would all worship Jesus until the very end.

Majesty, worship His Majesty! Unto Jesus be all Glory and Honor and Praise!!! Amen!

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