My Father passed away this morning. He was diagnosed with lung cancer over a year ago and it finally took his life. We were able to visit him in the nursing home when we were home this summer – here is a photo of Elijah with his Grampie Red (so named for obvious reasons)…
My Father was not a Believer, and for most of my childhood the fact that we were, angered him. My Mother, sisters and I have always prayed for his salvation, and we believe that the past year has been an answer to our prayers. He was blessed to have had that time to repent and turn to God. I recently wrote him a letter to encourage him to use this time to do just that. Lately, in my prayers I added a request – that we would know that his soul was saved…but we don’t.
It was a blessing to see him in the nursing home this summer, even though his body looked so frail and sick. He really wasn’t angry – which is mostly how I remember him. He was very quiet, and his eyes were so tired and sorrowfull. I didn’t like that, but my Mother had some insightfull words…”But I think it’s good that he can feel, Janet. Don’t you?” You see, my Father was an alcoholic, and for most of his life his feelings were drowned in alcohol. Yes, I do believe that it was good for him to feel.
Now on to the logistics of getting home to the funeral and leaving my children in the care of others…I really feel that I must go, despite the huge expense. Remember us in your prayers as we figure all these things out.
Jilly
September 14, 2006 at 11:38 am
Hey Jan, my phone cut us off…that is a great picture of grampy red…he loved Elijah! Remember…cool smokes?! One day we will know how God has answered our prayers! I’ll call again…soon…hopefuly I can get home too!
Over the next couple of days try to remember some of the happy stuff. Underneath it all he was a good man!
Love you Jan!
Janet
September 14, 2006 at 12:43 pm
I know Jill – there are happy memories too! My most vivid childhood memory of him is on the day of my sixth birthday party. I was wearing a yellow blouse with a bow at the top, and he had to get the bow tied just right! I remember that he smelled like sardines, and whenever I eat sardines, I think of Dad!
Holly Howe
September 14, 2006 at 12:49 pm
Hi Janet!
I’d never met your father, but pray that your Dad turned to God even towards the end of his life. I hope too, that you’re able to come home!!! It’s good for closure’s sake.
May God’s grace be yours over the days and weeks ahead.
Much love…
–H
Mari Lynn
September 14, 2006 at 3:24 pm
Hi Janet,
Sorry to hear about your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Have a safe trip home. You are such a great christian example to everyone you come in contact with. I know that your father must have seen that in you. Love ML
mel
September 14, 2006 at 5:48 pm
Janet — I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. It sounds like it will be a complicated grieving process. Thank you for sharing this part of story. Have a safe trip, and I’ll be praying that God covers the expenses.
Love, Mel
Janet
September 14, 2006 at 11:01 pm
Thank you folks, for your thoughts and prayers. It really is much appreciated. I leave tomorrow morning for Moncton, and everyone around here is pitching in to help with the kids. It will be very good to be home with my family for this…
Grampie Horsman
September 15, 2006 at 5:30 am
Marianne and I are so sorry to hear this. For some reason I didn’t read this until this morning. I be in touch with your Mum as soon as I think she is up and then with you later. We are praying that you can leave your children in the hands of the Lord and your friends so you can concentrate on being with your family at this time. Praise the Lord for Christian friends!
Dave
September 15, 2006 at 7:12 am
You need not worry about the boys. The Horsman bachlor pad will be well taken care of. Daddy Daycare is open for business. I dropped Janet at the airport at 5:30 this morning and she is on her way. I am getting the boys ready for the day and then we’er going to McDOnalds for breakfast…and if things go well, we’ll maybe go for supper, too.
Grampie Horsman
September 15, 2006 at 7:48 am
Glad to know that McDonald’s has agreed to partner with you in helping to take care of the boys.
Rachel L
September 17, 2006 at 11:02 pm
hey janet, i’m sorry to hear about your loss. i’ll definately be praying for all of you.
Tim & Sarah
September 18, 2006 at 2:19 pm
You all are in our thoughts & prayers!!
McDonalds has really been there for me the last few weeks as well Dave. – Tim
Dave
September 18, 2006 at 5:17 pm
Things are going pretty good here in the mother-less Horsman house. She is back tomorrow…we will all be very happy. I have so much to say but it is 5:16 PM and I need to get the kids in the car to go to McDonalds.
Janice
September 19, 2006 at 7:22 am
Janet, my thoughts and prayers are with you too. I’m sure the Horsman men will be happy to have you home tomorrow (although McDonald’s might not share their enthusiasm).