This Is Not Goodbye But See You Later

Yesterday was the last day that I will ever see my Dad in this life. I know that it was just his body laying there but it was still hard to say goodbye. But I know that it is only bye for now because I will see him later. He had a beautiful service and the crowd that assembled there proved that he and our family truly have a lot of friends. My daughter Jordan is overseas and we advised her not to come home, my Dad would have wanted her to stay there to complete her assignment for the summer. He was very proud 0f her and the dedication she has to serving our Lord. Below is something that she wrote and I read at the funeral.

Dear Friends and Family,

Let me start off by first saying how sorry I am that I am not able to be here with you today. Lots of prayer, tears, and guidance of others went into my decision to stay in Jordan. Honestly there was no way I could make the decision to stay here but my grandma made me promise I wouldn’t come home.

Today you came to this place to honor the life of my Papa. A simple man of few words is the best way I can think to describe him, although, if he was angry he was never at a loss for words. Just turn on a ball game and he was happy, let him sit outside and fish all day and he was happy, put one of the dogs on his lap and he was happy. He enjoyed the simple things in life. I think that today we can all learn something from him, slow down and enjoy what we have.

I know everyone here, like myself, will greatly miss Papa, Daddy, Fred, Mr. Fred, Mr. Jones, the do-nut man, or whoever he was to you. But today try and celebrate the life that he lived, try and remember the good times, and take rest knowing that right now he is with the Most High God telling the truth about the biggest fish he ever caught.

My Dad was proud of all his grandchildren and went to their activities when he could. We are all going to miss him very much but we can be assured that he will not have to be sick and suffer with cancer any longer. When he found out about the cancer he was so worried about going bald. He still had his hair and he looked very handsome. I just cannot thank all of you enough for the concern shown to us through all of this. We are truly blessed to have family and friends like you all. May God bless each of you and your families.

2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.