April 2, 2012

On the True Life of My Father

my last picture with Dad, we were making goofy faces!
As I'm sure many of you may know by now, on March 29th at 7:19pm, my Dad experienced victory over his battle with ALS. He had a difficult last few hours of life, but as with the way he lived, he was courageous, loving, and strong even in his death. His last words to Mom and I were "I love you". As a man devoted to Jesus, he lived his life without regrets or compromise, faithfully serving his family and Jesus Christ, even during the difficulty of his last days.

I have a desire to share the story of my Dad's life with you. Because of Jesus, he left a legacy worthy of remembrance and celebration, and any and all who would like to come and be a part of this very special culmination of his life are welcomed with open arms.

The celebration will be at Riva Trace Baptist Church on April 14th. The family will receive guests from 10:00-11:00am, followed by a celebration service starting at 11:00am. For those of you who knew Dad, it will not surprise you to know that celebratory cigars will be smoked at the reception at the our house later on that day!

In lieu of flowers, Dad requested that contributions be made to the RTBC General Fund or Hospice of the Chesapeake.

I am experiencing loss in a way that I could not have imaged, but Jesus has met me deeply and powerfully in the past few days. Approaching the celebration, please pray for the continual grace of Jesus to rest on my Mom and I, especially Mom. She was married to Dad for 38 years, and is feeling a loss not many can understand.

"Being confident of this, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the coming of Jesus Christ" - Philippians 1:6
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3 comments:

  1. Nicole Keef HopeApril 2, 2012 at 5:12 PM

    Thank you for posting this Josh. Praying for you and your mom. This song just came to mind.


    Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
    I'll fly away;
    To a home on God's celestial shore,
    I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

    I'll fly away, Oh Glory
    I'll fly away; (in the morning)
    When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
    I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

    When the shadows of this life have gone,
    I'll fly away;
    Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
    I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

    Just a few more weary days and then,
    I'll fly away;
    To a land where joy shall never end,
    I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

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  2. frannikApril 2, 2012 at 5:19 PM

    Josh, You & your Mom are in our prayers. Your Dad was a great man, and I'm sure he is missed more than words can say. We are celebrating his homecoming with you in spirit! Hope to be with you on the 14th!
    Tim, Fran & Jesse Klassen

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  3. BJ McClaeb and Geoff YoungApril 3, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    Josh, you and Sherrie know how much I loved your dad. He was such a special man. He was such a beautiful Christian and had such a marvelous sense of humor. I always enjoyed playing piano at Riva because I KNEW Jay was listening and he knew many of the selections were for him because they were his favorites. Geoff and I will be with you for the celebration on the 14th.
    "Jay has only gone on a journey that you are also going on...he just went a little ahead of you."
    Much love to you and your mom.

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