Sunday, October 31, 2010

Out pouring of love and dad is always with us - Week 29 (October 2010)


Suppose its not every day you can say your horse sends you a video message to check on his mum, but with me being who I am I did receive one – yes the people at the stables in NC are as horse crazy as me. Must admit the video certainly made mum and I smile lots.

The outpouring of love, prayers and well wishes has been so humbling. It’s amazing how much more I am learning about dad as each day goes by and how he touched so many people’s lives over his 63 years. Mum and I got to enjoy coffee a few times this week with friends which was nice, plus got to play with a 2 year old and a 3 year old when we all went to Bekonscot the model village in Beaconsfield (http://www.bekonscot.co.uk/). I haven’t been there since I was about 7 so clearly I had as much fun as the children did!

Over the rest of the weekend mum got to come with me up to the horses to see Charlotte and Jack which was lovely for her. Then the Sunday Simone and Ryan kindly cooked for us a great Sunday roast dinner – yum, yum! Of course we got to play with Megan lots!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Loving touch of friends and family in UK and NC – Week 28 (October 2010)

October certainly seems to be moving quickly and we know God is right there with us. Sadly mum and I had to go to another funeral this week as a friend of the family had passed away. Even through all the upset we were able to help our friends and I spent time with their daughters as I totally understand what they are going through with their dad having been called home too.

Mum and I are so deeply touched by the love of our friends and family, both in the UK and in NC. God knew what He was doing with giving me an extended family in the US :). We got to Skype with them and always makes us feel we are right there with them in their home :).

We did also get a chance to do some retail therapy this week – well ok I think dad is stopping us buying anything as any clothes we really liked seemed to not be available in our sizes in all the shops in Windsor – thanks dad!!!

No matter what has happened over the past few weeks I know the pure and devoted love of a family is one of life’s greatest blessings. And having such wonderful friends who truly care and provide support and have your best interests at heart is another huge blessing that I am honoured to have.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Dad is always with us – Week 27 (October 2010)

What an amazing Celebration of Life for dad we had. He was such a remarkable person and I am honoured to be his daughter. One Psalm that was read over dad while in hospital and during the service is Psalm 23 – it certainly has a special place in our hearts.

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Mum and I were able to get out an about a bit this week which was nice and enjoyed some fresh air and time together. She is such a strong woman and truly exemplifies Proverbs 31:10-31.

A Celebration of Dad’s Life – Week 26 (October 2010)

The week was a very ‘odd’ one as mum and I kept feeling dad was on holiday, I suppose in some way he is but he is now with Our Lord and Saviour in his new body. While he is physically away from us on earth he is spiritually with us, we can always see him and feel him and have a great peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, that he is safe.

Lots of things to get done this week in preparation for dad’s service, it would be a celebration of his life though. God was directing every path and made all our paths straight and all that needed to be accomplished was. The day of dad’s service was very emotional, there were over 80 people at the Hampden Chapel, it’s a true testimony of all the lives that dad touched.

One at Rest

Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep.
I have no pain, no troubled thoughts for I am just asleep.
The living thinking me that was is now forever still,
And life goes on without me now, as time forever will.

If your heart is heavy now because I've gone away,
Dwell not long upon it friend for none of us can stay.
Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me, I thank you most of all.

And in my fleeting lifespan, as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate, to laugh, to love, to cry.
Matters it now if time began if time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all, and now I am at peace.