Wednesday, April 16, 2008

And Now Comes the Flood

There is a flood, a flood of prayer and support, sweet tea and wine, cheese trays and flower arrangements, family and friends. Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement. It's been a rough 24 hours...heck, it's been a rough 3 1/2 weeks, but I wanted you all to know that I'm surviving...grieving and coping in my own way, working through what still seems so surreal to me. As much as I try to wrap my brain around it, I can't! Even when I saw him lying in that bed, nothing left but the shell of a broken body, it didn't seem real. I'm not going to pretend to understand death, or life for that matter. I'm thankful for the time I had with him, especially over the last three weeks. I have no regrets. But I miss my daddy. I see him everywhere I look. Yesterday, I was moving a plant to make room for a flower arrangement. I placed it on my dad's dresser and saw his pipes...enough said. I'm glad that Neil will be here today. I missed him. And I'm ready to have my family together again, despite the circumstances.

I realize that most of you didn't know my dad, but the Augusta Chronicle did a tribute on him today. You can see it here: http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/041608/met_195259.shtml

Neil and I are going to take the kids to Warner Robins Friday and go to my cousin's wedding on Saturday. Since the memorial service isn't until Monday, it would be a good distraction for me, and I get to see the rest of my family (mom's side). So Shan, call me and let's do coffee Sat AM.

Thank you again! And yes Katy, I love that idea. It would be extremely helpful as I attempt to reassimilate into my old life.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear that Neil will be there today. What a comfort he will be to you! And I'm sure the boys are ready to see Daddy. I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you... Love, Jennifer B.
PS. I read the article about your Dad - very sweet.

Anonymous said...

I'll get it started. I hope Neil has a safe trip. I know you must be very excited to have him with you again. Have fun at the wedding, enjoy the distraction. Let me know when you want to get together. We could take the kids to the aquarium for the day...

Unknown said...

Read in the tribute to your Dad that he was a native of Mobile, AL. I am from Mobile and that is where my parents lived for 50 + years and where I was raised.
Awesome memorial to your Father...he sounds like a very, very spunky man.
I know you are tired. Rest in Jesus.
Peace and His strength be with You,
Candace Smartt

Jo said...

That was a great article about your dad. The quotes they used from his blog captured him perfectly!

Big hugs.

Kristen said...

Hillary, I was so sorry to hear about your dad. That was a wonderful article - he sounds like a great guy. Praying for comfort and peace for you and your family.

Jo said...

Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you...

Love you.

Anonymous said...

Hillary,
My name is Jessica, I'm your age and I live in Frederick, MD. My father has stage IV kidney cancer, was diagnosed in 2006. You don't know me, but I have been following your Dad's blog for about a year. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. His words have been inspirational and uplifting in a time when everything else seems so discouraging. Many of his postings made me smile if not laugh out loud, I just wanted you to know he has touched my life along with countless others. My thoughts and prayers go out to you & your family. Jessica

P.S.I am very interested in helping to raise money for this cause. Please contact me via email at jfranz77@yahoo.com, I would love to help in anyway I can.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted you to know I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and praying for you. Love ya!

Anonymous said...

Dear hillary, Here it is 10 pm on Wed night, 8 days after your dad has passed and I am missing his blog, and the essence of him very much. I am a kidney cancer warrior(a wimpy one) and I am so glad that you believe your dad came to faith. I wrote him an e-mail one time and asked why he doesn't write about prayer, he e-mailed me back and said that his readers were a diverse group and that he did not want to alienante anyone. But he said he prayed everyday to his creator. I told him that I would be praying for him and he thanked me for my prayers. Please know that as often as the Lord brings you and the family to my mind, I pray for you all to feel His grace and comfort. He seemed larger than life, and I am so sorry he is gone. But I rejoice that he is at peace, enjoying the most beautiful landscapes, rivers,mountains......Blesings, Robbie Edwards