This was our last photo with Dad. Taken about 2 hours
after we arrived. We had long delays with our flights and a frantic message as
we were driving from the airport saying, “Sis, how far away are you? Please
hurry…..” We were wondering what God’s plan was for us and if we would arrive
too late, but God gave us the beautiful gift of 2 hours with Dad where he was
able to respond to us before he lapsed into unconsciousness. All that night and
the whole next day our family was at Dad’s bedside, holding his hands, talking
to him, keeping him as comfortable as we could. His breathing was very labored which
was heartbreaking to listen to.
At 10:50pm on Sunday evening, July
23rd, 30 hours after we arrived, our Lord Jesus took Dad and brought
him into His own presence. Dad died very peacefully with our arms around him, and
we give glory to God and are so thankful for His plan for Dad’s last days. During
Dad’s last week on earth, he was still able to have his weekly bible study and
drive Mom to the grocery store for their weekly outing which was amazing. Only
for his last 3 days was he confined to bed, and in his own home as he wanted it
to be.
Since Dad passed into glory,
our family has just clung together, sharing our grief, our memories of Dad, and
working through all the things together that we face now that Dad is no longer
here with us. Mom is very tired but is doing okay and keeping strong.
We have been cushioned on all
sides by the outpouring of love and prayers from all of you! Thank you so, so
much! All I can say is that there has
been so, so much LOVE.
Paul and I plan to return to the
Philippines on August 4 (1 week after the funeral). We praise God that we were
able to be here with Dad and our family during this time. Mom will probably be
going to WA with Bobby at about the same time we go to the Philippines. I
wonder what God’s next chapter is for us all.
For those of you who can attend,
Dad’s funeral is on Friday, July 28. We are having a memorial service at
Kingsridge Baptist Church, at 11:30 am at 12 Portia St, Kingston. At 3:00 pm
there will be a viewing at the Mt Gravatt Cemetery Chapel which is at 582 Mains
Road, Macgregor followed by the burial at 3:30.
