Heaven Bound

Three weeks ago, Dad had a major stroke. The affects of this stroke are catastrophic. He is unable to swallow, or to speak. Dad is at the VA Hospital and has been on complete comfort care for about a week now.  He is getting ready to slip into heaven.  Mom has been staying there full time until Daddy goes Home.

I was visiting Mumsie a couple of days ago and I brought my laptop, so we could look at old family pictures to pass the time. We had so much fun laughing at pictures of ourselves from long ago.

 

Then unexpectedly, we came across a series of photos from last August.  I didn't even remember taking them.  They seem almost prophetic.  Do you see that sweet little smile and the love in his eyes? 

Then especially this one of glory light on Dad's empty chair.  This is the chair where he always sat.  Mom and I gasped when we saw this picture.  You see--when Dad had this last stroke, Mom knew before anyone else that he would not be returning home.

Soon Daddy will be with Jesus in Heaven.  He will be able to leap, jump, run and walk again.  Dad will be free of that chair and the neck brace he had to wear day and night.  He will see his own Dad, Mom, brothers, sisters and dear friends who have gone before him.  We rejoice over the day Dad will be free from his earth suit.  Though those of us who are left behind will grieve.  But we do not grieve as those who have no hope. 

"Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

"Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for  you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."  (John 14-1-3)

We will see Dad again. In this we have hope.  God bless you all.

11/17/2012:  This afternoon, while setting up for a performance,  I suddenly became so dizzy I could not stand up.  It felt like a piece of me was suddenly missing.  I knew Dad was gone--15 minutes later a phone call confirmed what my heart had already told me.  Thank you for your warm thoughts and loving prayers for me and for my beloved family.

Dreams

This is not exactly an angel story, but it rates right up there with miraculous happenings.

My brave Father fought in WW2.  He was drafted into the army paratroopers just after his 18th birthday. When he was 19, he faced the enemy in the Battle of the Bulge.   He parachuted down behind enemy lines and was captured by the Germans. Daddy spent nine terrifying months in a Nazi Prison camp also known as Stalag B and Bad Orb.

Not long afterward, Dad's parents received a devastating letter from the army.   Their beloved eldest son was Missing in Action. I cannot imagine how awful that must have been for them.

Then one night Dad's Mom dreamed he stood at the end of her bed.   He told her he was a prisoner of war and that he was alive. The dream was so real, she was convinced she had actually spoken with him. Grandma never stopped praying for her boy. She was not surprised when they informed her that he had been rescued.

When Dad returned home from the war, he described a dream where he'd stood at the foot of his Mother's bed.  He remembered telling his Mother he was alive and was a prisoner of war in Germany. Amazed, they pieced together the timing of their dreams. The truth is, God allowed Daddy to visit Grandma in a dream to let her know he was alright.

What a wonderful blessing of God's miraculous grace to both Mom and Son. How grateful I am for Grandma's prayers for Dad when most people were convinced he was dead.

Today is Dad's 85th Birthday!  Happy Birthday Daddy!