My mom passed away a few years ago, and as my son pointed out on my dad's passing, "...in a way, it is like losing Oma again too because when Opa was still with us, it was like we still had a part of Oma yet too; now they are both gone."
This picture was taken early in my dad's hospice care. Me holding his hand as he neared life's end; his hand, one which held mine at the beginning of my life. I'm so thankful to have had the parents I had. Not perfect parents, but they were loving and caring.
My dad was one of the best self-managers, full of zest for life into his 89th year, and one of the most resilient people I've ever known. What a privilege to have walked alongside each other these many years. And what joy and comfort to know that one day we will be together again, through Jesus, with our Heavenly Father!
Needless to say, I've been 'off grid' in a lot of respects, as any extra energy I could muster was put into caring for my dad. I had the opportunity to grow more in appreciation for caregivers, and especially caregivers who have to manage their own chronic conditions in the midst of things.
Along the way, there have been titles and ideas of things spinning in my mind/heart- and I hope to get enough breathing space eventually to write them out to you.
In the meantime, I'm adjusting to my status as an orphan.
I'm reminded of this verse,
John 14:17-19
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 [a]After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also.
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 [a]After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also.
Blessings-
