My Daddy Was A Veteran!

Happy Veteran's Day!

 

This is a picture of my Daddy.  

This photo was taken during his active service in the United States Navy.  He served and fought in WWII.  He looked so young.  But he was in his early 20's.  He had become the "Papa Rabbit" after his Daddy died when my father was only 17 years old.  He had to look after the family along with my Grandmother.  She never remarried.  Until daddy's death, his siblings looked to him as they would to a father for guidance.  So, Daddy had lived a "life" already.  Then he was in the Navy. 

It was during this time that  he felt the call to the Ministry.  After his discharge from the Navy, he returned home to the Rockingham area of North Carolina and set about enrolling at Wingate College where he obtained his BS degree and then finished his seminary training at Southeastern Theological and Luther Rice Theological Seminaries....all while making a family.  A hard time, a hard life, but that was my Daddy.  He was made of sturdy stuff!  That whole generation was.  It amazes me. 

I was, or course, not born.  After all, I am the baby of 4 children.  But I heard the stories of Daddy back in the day.  I heard Mother talk about the struggles they went through and she went through during those times.  Perseverance.

Daddy died of Cancer in 1993 after serving many, many years as a Southern Baptist Preacher.  Many lives were changed due to his obedience to God.  Including mine.

My Daddy was a mighty man of God.  He served his country, his family and his God well.

Thank You Daddy for your commitment.  I thank God I was privileged to be your baby girl. 

Happy Veteran's Day Daddy...





2 Weeks Ago...8:46a.m.

Two weeks ago, at this minute, I got the call from Beth (get her link)that Mother was unresponsive. 

It had started out as an ordinary day for Mother...according to the staff of the assisted living.  I can imagine her up with her morning routine...bathing, dressing...cleaning with a dust cloth of some fashion in her hand...not sure what was going through her mind these last days.  She had become obsessed with cleaning.  Actually, always was, but used a normal balance with life.  But here lately, it was the number one thing on her mind.  Consuming.   I think it was because it was the only thing in her little life that she could control the outcome of.  Add to that the fact that Mother enjoyed cleaning. 

Wonder if she knew she was dying?  Wonder if she had glimpses of heaven?  Wonder if she saw family members passed?  I feel sure she heard us rallying around her...talking tenderly to her, loving her, telling her it was ok to go be with Jesus....ushering her into heaven.

Death is an amazing event under natural circumstances.  Don't think I'm morbid please.  I am a great respecter of Life.  Being a nurse, and being a Hospice Nurse, I've seen many deaths.  I've "pronounced" their deaths in their homes and called the funeral home to come.  I've seen the end of life come many times.  I've given training on the end of life care and end of life decisions.  I've seen the clinical side many times.  I've also seen the loving side too.  Daddy...now Mother.  Being in attendance to share those last minutes of life....I'm thankful God allowed me to be there.  A great memory of being in attendance with them at the end of their lives, knowing they were in attendance with me in the beginning of mine...special bonding.

When I got home from Mother's funeral, I read the "90 minutes in Heaven Book".  It gave me reassurance of what Mother experienced.  It was a great comfort.  I would say Mother is "dusting" in heaven...but I'm sure she is at peace...and there is NO DUST!

Just 2 weeks ago, Mother was alive, walking, talking...that could have been the same of any of us.  She died unexpectedly, yet expected.  At any given time, I expected the call.  Then it came.

About a week prior...my cell phone rang...I saw it was Beth's home number...I became ALERT..."Hey Sis" I said.  Mother said "Hello Susie".   I was stunned.  Mother had Beth to dial my number.  It was only about a 30 second conversation...Mother talked, I listened.  She said, "I just wanted to tell you I loved you, and you know I always have".  I assured her I did indeed and that I loved her as well.  When she hung up the phone, I sobbed.  I thought she was going to die that night.  It was the last time I talked with her. 

God, our heavenly Father, has a way of showing us such love and compassion when we least expect it.  How very much he loves us....and always has.