Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Changes Continue

Last week when I wrote we were putting my Dad in a care facility.
I wrote about life's changes, and the choices we have to make as they change.

Here is an update:  (THIS IS ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S & MY DAD'S PASSING, SO MAY BE SENSITIVE FOR SOME). 

Monday my Dad went home to be with the Lord, and
he is now seeing this sunset from the other side of things.

   Alzheimer's had slowly taken his memory of  things, then of us,
and he was in a whole other world all his own.
Then his speech slowly declined, and he had some time ago
forgotten the words to the gospel songs he and my Mom
used to sing at care centers like the very one he was in.
He finally could not walk, or even know how to eat his food.
He became frail, and tired.

 I was with him for a couple of hours before my Mom came.
He was in that deep sleep he had been in before, but I
believe he heard all my words as 
  I told him how much I loved him. I sang to him,
(not nearly as on key as he could sing, but I know he liked it anyway) =).
I prayed over him, and told him he could go home whenever he was ready.

My Mom was there the last hour or so, and she prayed for him, loved him, and let him go.

Dad's breathing slowed....... till just one last breath, and he was gone.
He was with Jesus, and Dad and the angels were all singing together!!!

He was at peace, in the arms of His loving savior.

Mom and I comforted each other, as tears flowed.
We prayed,  and then left only the shell of a man in the room.
A shell that had housed a man who loved the Lord, and his family.

My Dad will live always in our hearts, till we see him again,
and we all sing praises together to the Lord who loves us so.

Lord, I pray for comfort and peace, not only for our friends and family,
but for the many who have lost loved ones. May they know your
comfort, support  and love.

Blessings in His name

barbara jean






6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Barbara,

Praying for God's comfort and peace to surround you and your family during this time.

Us girls do miss our Fathers so- it has been 8 years since Dad died and I miss his terribly but have such anticipation of the day when we will see each other again and never ever be separated again!

bee blessed
mary

Chatty Crone said...

Gosh I am so very very very sorry about the death of your dad. I know how much you loved him and how you took such good care of him. It will be hard around the holidays.

Love,
Hugs,
Prayers,
Sandie

Linda I. Shands said...

Oh, Barb, what a season we are in. I did not realize your Dad was saved! I am so thankful and blessed by knowing that. And you were by his side - that says a lot about the kind of woman you are and why I have loved you as a friend, then sister in Christ for so many years.

The missing him will continue, but so will the joy of knowing we will all be re-united.

Dragonlady said...

((((((HUGS))))))
Praying God will give you the strength you need at this time....
love
Brenda

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss, though I don't know you, and this is my first visit here, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen B. said...

Dear Barbara Jean,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
I send you hugs of comfort.

Karen B. ~ Todolwen