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...
40 comments:
I am so glad that people were so helpful and kind because I can't think of anyone who deserves it more, my friend. I tried to listen to the video, but it would not allow my IPAD to link to it. I will try again later. I don't want to miss it.
Just think, your father in law has met my mother in law who passed this summer and the rest of my parents before we have met eyeball to eyeball on this earth
Now that is neat!
Love you, Becky!
xo
Sheila
Ps... If there are bad typos, it is the IPAD! ;-)
Oh, Dear Rebecca, I watched that whole thing from start to finish and I am bawling like a baby. I feel like I have known and loved a man I have never met but through your voice.
What a wonderful, wonderful tribute to this handsome man that was son, husband, daddy and granddaddy to those that loved him best.
God bless you- You are in my heart and prayers- xo Diana
This is so touching and so beautiful, I sat watching this wonderful tribute to your father thinking not only of him and your loss but remembering all of those beloved people I have lost in my life. I know how difficult this is for you, and how very, very hard it is to say good bye. It must have been such a joy to have him in your life.
Dear Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have thought of and prayed for you so many times this past week. I am so glad that so many reached out to comfort and minister to your family. The video tribute was so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. How special your son must be to honor his grandfather so. Your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Love and blessings,
Tamara
Hi dear friend, It is not surprising that others reached out to you in your time of need, because it is exactly what you would have done. May His grace and peace carry you and yours now.
Hugs and love,
Noreen
May God's grace and love continue to bless and keep you during this time.
Rebecca,
I just finished viewing the amazing video tribute to your father...such a beautiful family and a beautiful life...wishing you blessings and continued prayers.
Warmly,
Patricia
Dearest Rebecca,
The tribute that your son compiled was absolutely exquisite. I have tears in my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing it with me/all of us. Take some time to rest and regroup and be with your Mom. You are all still in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and warm hugs, Laura
My heart is heavy with love and prayers for you and your family. I enjoyed your video of your family moments. How blessed you are to have had all those memories plus more.
God Bless...
Lost my dad 2 years ago...he was 86 and remarkable, like your dad. The music and pictures of the tribute were stunningly beautiful, tender and moving. I could actually see and feel the love. We have been blessed daughters. Sending prayers, for all, but especially for your mom.
Beautiful....
Hugs
Wanda
Beautiful....the greatest generation that ever lived. You have your Daddys eyes~~~~Blessings~~~Roxie
I'm sitting here balling my eyeballs out and sobbing. So many memories flooding my soul. What a precious, precious video that you will treasure forever. A great man who left a great legacy. You can tell you were daddy's little girl. I saw that arm on his shoulder or around his neck. Those memories will soon dispel the years of heartache over disease and sickness. That church signs just made me well up big time. Oh the memories. May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you peace. Love you, my friend.
your father was a beautiful man, may he now be at Peace. Holding you close in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your dad. After watching this beautiful video, not a dry eye I am sure can be found, including mine. What a precious video. My heart goes out to you, along with many prayers for comfort and peace today and always. Thank you for sharing a very precious and priceless treasure piece of you and your family...my heat was blessed.
What a beautiful tribute to your Daddy, your Mother's love for him and your Family's sweet memories captured beautifully! BIG HUGS and continued prayers for you and your Family! I know how bad it hurts, when we get where we're going... they will be there waiting on us! Love to you dear Rebecca!
Oh my goodness--what a wonderful video for a Grandson to put together. We lost our Grandpa last week and tomorrow are the services. He was so ready to go but it is still hard. Enjoy your wonderful memories! :)
Beautiful video! I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers said.
Dearest Precious Rebecca,
That was a very beautiful tribute to your father and his family. So many beautiful memories to cherish. Thank you ever so for sharing this with all of us. You are one of a kind, sweet Rebecca and lucky to have had a daddy like yours. Take care of your mom and we shall continue keeping you all in our prayers.
Love, Mary from Clovis,CA
Dearest Rebecca, I just saw this today and I am deeply sorry for the passing of your beloved father. My heart and prayers are lifted for you and your precious family. May God give you comfort in the days ahead. I know your father is resting in the arms of Jesus and his forever home so deserved.
Love to you and yours.
With my sincere sympathy.
Blessings, Celeste
I just watched the video your son made, what a precious family you have. I am forever amazed at the love God has for us, how He provided for you while family was there, and all the love shown by others. I thought of the reunions and celebration that surely took place in heaven when your dad arrived. I will continue to pray for your mom, you, and the rest of your family. Love and Blessings to you Rebecca, Christy
Memories are sent from GOD, my
Mom had Alzheimer's and as the days go by I think how awful it was.
Your Dad was a handsome man.
He is in Heaven watching you..
Love yvonne
Memories are sent from GOD, my
Mom had Alzheimer's and as the days go by I think how awful it was.
Your Dad was a handsome man.
He is in Heaven watching you..
Love yvonne
Rebecca, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I have not been on your blog in a long time and I had no idea of your Dad's passing. The video is beautifully done. What a wonderful tribute.
May God warmly comfort all of your family.
I'll be thinking about you and praying.
Blessings always,
d
Dear Sweet Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had tried to look at the video made by your son a little while back and couldn't on my IPhone. I am just now getting on my laptop and oh my! Incredibly beautiful! I had goosebumps throughout the entire video...what a beautiful father and grandfather...and a beautiful family! God bless you, my friend! I continue to pray for you!
XOXO Carolyn
Hello Rebecca
I am hoping you & your Family are managing okay these past few weeks.
Please know I am thinking about you. Sending hugs...
Wanda
Dear Rebecca,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. But I know you have peace as you know you will see him again.
The video your son made is wonderful. He did an amazing job.
I will keep your Mom, you and the rest of the family in my prayers.
May God continue to pour His blessings, love and comfort out to all of you.
Love and big hugs,
Sonya
Rebecca, hope you are feeling better. I am thinking of you. Hope you are out and about in this Spring weather. Love yvonne
Hi Rebecca,
I do hope you are feeling better... I know from experience these things take time. May God bless your heart. I hope you post soon.
Blessings,
Amy Jo
Thinking of you and wondering how you are doing.
Happy Mother's Day.
Mary Ann
Rebecca...just stopping in to say hi and let you know that I was thinking of you! My Dad has been gone for quite a while, but I was a Daddys girl and I miss him all the time. I talk to him often and feel like he is here, as time passes, it gets easier to remember when he was healthy and himself.....He is once again!
Carol
I couldn't find your email, but I wanted you to know that I've had you on my mind for several days now. I prayed for you when you came to mind and spent some time in prayer this morning for you. I know this is a difficult time. I pray that you had a Happy Mother's Day, my friend, and that enjoying your children help to ease the pain of your loss.
Bonnie
Rebecca, Just popped in to see how you are doing. Fathers Day is coming and it will be hard.
Big hug, come back to blogging.
yvonne
Hola: acabo de encontrarme con su página en internet y he visto el vídeo homenaje a su padre. Creo que él estará feliz en el cielo pues ha hecho su camino de peregrino en la tierra como un padre amoroso y un esposo ejemplar. Le mando saludos a su familia por la pérdida, pero no dudéis de que está en la casa del Padre.
Un saludo afectuoso desde España.
Translated comment from above:
Hi, just ran into your website and I saw the video tribute to his father. I think he will be happy in heaven as he made his pilgrim way on earth as a loving father and an exemplary husband. I send greetings to your family for the loss, but I believe that he is in the Father's house. Greetings from Spain.
Rebecca, Please come back to us.
Becky Sue….you are missed.
d
Are you ever coming back Rebecca? Just let us know ok?
Hope you and your family are doing well.
Rebecca, that video was heart touching. Not knowing your parents, yet in Christ, we are connected.
Your dear father is in a glorious place now, praise the Lord. But, I think of your sweet mama. I will pray for you and your family as you continue to heal of your loss.
I look forward to your return to our blogging community.
The Lord bless you, Debbie
Rebecca, such a beautiful way of remembering your father. So many moments to be thankful for and what a wonderful family he had. He will be part of you forever.
Thanks for sharing this intimate video.
Take care!
Love from Holland,
Jacoba
Post a Comment