“For he knows how we were made;
he remembers that we are dust”
Psalm 103:14.
On Friday evening, April 25, my MIL called and said, “The doctors say Dad isn’t going to make it. Can you come?” Four hours later I was on a red-eye flight to Michigan and arrived at the hospital on Sabbath morning. Less than an hour later, they turned off life support. Two hours later, he was gone.
I’m glad I was able to say goodbye. He was in a coma, but the nurses said he could hear us. I told him that I would miss him and that I would tell his granddaughters what a wonderful grandpa they had. I’m only sad that we were not able to share that we had just signed our adoption agreement two days prior to his death.
That evening, Pastor Dwight came over and talked to us about the hope that we can have in God, even in the face of death. He shared more of Psalm 103.
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments”
Psalm 103:17-18.
I hold tight to that promise. My father-in-law was a wonderful man, a righteous man. God’s love will be faithful to his children’s children.
I knew I’d cry too much if I tried to speak at the memorial service, but I did read Psalm 103. I broke down when I reached this verse…
“As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him”
Psalm 103:13
More than anyone else in my life, my father-in-law accepted me, flaws and all. He welcomed me into his family with open arms. He patiently answered all of my questions about childrearing, the Bible, literature. We shared recipes back and forth through email and talked on the phone almost every Sabbath. His death leaves a gaping hole in my life.
However, I know we will meet again. I have faith that God will bring us all together again as a family.
“who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,”
Psalm 103:4.
God promised! I believe it. Dad, I miss you and can’t wait to see you again.
