And after you have suffered for a liggle while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
I feel like I’m picking through a war scene at my house or juggling 10 plates in the air at one time. But the good news is the funeral service is just about all planned. Dad will have a graveside service with full military honors next Wednesday at 11 AM. He will be buried next to my mom.
I got home late on Monday night, but of course, woke up early yesterday and started in. I picked up Parker and she was sick all day. Mark is still in Memphis with his mom. In fact, he will fly to Burbank the day before the funeral to join us. Finding all the right papers for the military option proved to be a challenge but eventually, all of the pieces fell into place.
Mel and Andy have been so helpful, each in their own way. There were a few moments when I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get it all done, but God is faithful and my kids were right there. Mark has been a real stabilizer through all this.
When I realized I didn’t have to get this done overnight and have the service this weekend, I relaxed. Now I have the gift of time to catch up with rest: physically, emotionally, and mentally. Thank you, Lord.
The month of April has been a blur, often feeling like I’m in limbo, never standing on firm ground. I look back over the journey and know that God is there and took Dad in his own time. He waited until his grandson completed his course of training and graduated last Friday. Dad “graduated” on Monday morning…his course complete.
I know the strains of the Navy Hymn will bring tears as do memories of his last words to me. I am thankful for a dad, even though cranky at times, who loved Jesus, loved my mom, and loved me.