Dear Friends...
This morning the last of my family members pulled out of Oklahoma and headed back towards their homes. With my father's sudden decline and ultimate death the last three weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. I'm personally sustained by the memories I hold dear and for the legacy of love and forgiveness that was so much a part of my dad's life.
Today would have been his 84th birthday.
Today would have been his 84th birthday.
I can't begin to thank you all for your kindness to my family. The cards, letters, notes, food, flowers, visits and prayers reached beyond the pale. I haven't had to cook a single meal since my father became ill because of the loving kindness of others. In addition, with the unbelievable benevolent help from my son's employer we were able to feed my dad's entire extended family who traveled up to Oklahoma from Texas. Catered meals poured in via McAlister's Deli and I'm beyond humbled by their generosity and goodness. At one sitting I had over 30 people in my home and I didn't have to prepare a single thing. Everything was provided...down to the utensils and straws. They did this three separate times, each time being better than the last.
I'm learning a great deal about paying it forward as I continue to grieve the loss of my father. I hope one day I will be afforded the chance to do unto others as was done unto me.
God has been so good.
I'm sure in the future months I'll share more about the long goodbye that took more than a decade to unfold. Right now I'd like to share with you the incredible video tribute my son, Brandon Kent, prepared in honor of his grandfather. It's full of lovely pictures, some we had never seen, and beautiful music. I hope you love it.
Blessings to you today. Your continued prayers for my Mother are so greatly appreciated.
Love to you...
