For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

Last Wednesday, the hospice nurse came into my dad’s room around lunchtime. She told us that Dad’s vitals had changed a bit and that he was continuing to decline slightly more.

Tracy continued, “We tend to die like we live. Your dad has been so strong in his life and been through so much and still kept going. He may linger.” As much as we did not want him to go, it was torture to watch him suffer like this.

Around 2:30 pm, my 21-year-old son, Taylor, came to see his papa one last time. He and I sat and talked and sang to Daddy. Then at 4, Taylor told me he needed to leave soon. I said, “Let’s pray for Papa before you go.”

I stood by my dad’s bedside and read Philippians 3 about the fellowship of our precious Savior’s suffering. With heavy hearts, I took one of Daddy’s hands and Taylor took his other as Taylor began to pray. After a few minutes, he paused and I continued, asking God to have mercy on my dad. “Jesus died for our sins and You resurrected him and I know You want to do that for my dad.”

Taylor prayed again, “That same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in my Papa.”

Daddy took one breath and let it out … peace … I opened my eyes to see him looking up like he was looking at me. But I really know he was looking at something past me. I believe at that moment, he saw Jesus, and that was when his peace came. And seeing Jesus gave him the courage to take the next step.

After about a minute, he took one more breath, then his body relaxed and he closed his eyes. He was home.

The Holy Spirit’s peace flooded that room like a river, and Taylor and I both felt it. Through tears, Taylor said, “ And some people don’t believe there is a God.”

At that moment, I could envision my dad lying on his face before Jesus and worshiping him as Jesus said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I believe that Jesus probably then took him by the hand and said, “Come on. I have something to show you.”

I know he was reunited with Mama and his other loved ones who have gone before him. The rest, I can only imagine. But one day I am going to be with them all and find out for myself.

Dear Lord: Thank you for the promise of Heaven and for your Son Jesus making a way for us to be there together with You forever. We praise You that Daddy is with You, well and whole, and for Your mercy and grace in his life and for giving us Your peace. While our earthly father is now in heaven,  You, our Heavenly Father, are here with us on earth, so I know we can do this. Amen