I got a call from my mom on Wednesday night at 11:00 PM. She began to tell me that my dad was wanting to tell everyone in the family goodbye.
This was a hard conversation for many reasons but the biggest was I was here in South Florida and they were in SC.
My dad has the c-word and it has him in his final days. I hate the c-word. I really don't even like to talk about it. It has caused so much hurt and grief in our family and with friends. This is not only true in my life but in millions around the world that have had to face this in one way or another.
Thank God that there are some organizations that are trying to make a difference in the c-word. My church FRC just had a huge Garage sale and gave all the proceeds to the ACS. I am proud to be a part of a church like FRC that is willing to make a difference in ways like this. You should see all that we are doing for Easter this weekend.
My wife, daughters and I did talk to my dad on the phone and tell him goodbye.
That sucked! Sorry but it did!
I went into my office and got some airline tickets and we flew up to see him early the next morning.
Brilliant!
This was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I just saw him last week but the c-word makes everything so unpredictable that it is hard to know when to do what. I just got back this morning but we had an awesome trip. We are ready for whatever comes our way now. I am going back up Monday on a trip that was already scheduled so I will get to be with him, my mom,
(I am convinced that she is the strongest and most incredible woman in the world) and the rest of our family.
They tell us it will be any day now.
Back to the c-word....
As much as I hate it in a strange way it has given us a gift.
Time!
We have had time to say the things we need to say and do some things that we needed to do.
One of my prayers lately has been, "God I don't understand or like the CANCER thing but thanks! It has given us the time we need to prepare for what is ahead.
As always God knows what is best, even with the c-word!!!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
C-Word
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4 comments:
Garland,
I left you a voicemail last night to let you know we were praying and thinking of your Dad and all of you.
We love your Dad and Mom and we want to honor them by continuing to serve the Lord at FRC.
We want to wrap our arms around you and hug you with the care and encouragement you need at this time.
I can truly say that I have been were you are at right now.
I understand what you are feeling.
Please tell your Mom that we are praying for her.
I will see you at Beach Baptism at 6:15 AM.
Maybe we can share a minute together some time tomorrow.
Thank you for being a good son and honoring your parents now and in the past.
You will be blessed because of it.
Thank you for being a great friend, mentor, example and leader to me and my family.
We are better because of your friendship.
Love ya,
Dwight
Hi Pastor G,
I wanted to come and give you a big hug...but like Jesus, you were surrounded by mobs of people. I couldn't even touch your garment! Lol!
Seriously, I am praying for you and your family. I am so glad we serve a risen Savior...and that one day all this pain and suffering shall cease. I'm glad the big C has already won true victory over the little c-word.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Tell Kelli hello for me. Love you guys!
Wendy
Thank you for sharing this journey with us - God is using you so much thru your words on your blog.
Garland,
when Bryan's dad died this was one of the things we were so thankful for. On one hand, you hate to see your loved one suffer, but on the other hand, you get to say all of the things you want them to know. When people are taken away quickly, we don't always get the chance to say those important things. I think ultimately even though it's hard to go through, it is a gift from God.
Love you guys!
Michele B
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