Saturday, February 14, 2015

No words.

I have no words. I haven't for a week. My heart hurts. My head is in a daze. You see, my dad was the most selfless person I know. (My mom being right beside him on the selfless scale.) He was a man that looked to serve others. And his children were pretty high on the list of those he served the most. He worked tirelessly to make each of us happy. He never complained and I think that is why it hurts so bad. He gave, and gave, and gave and yet never complained. He could have a busted knee or a sprained ankle and work right through it without anyone knowing his pain.

Over the past 4 months, my dad suffered day and night. When I asked how he was doing, he would usually look to the ground or away and say, "okay." He wasn't feeling okay, but he pretended. He didn't want us to worry or feel bad. So he'd simply say, "okay." My dad had stage IV renal cell kidney cancer. It spread to his brain, his lungs and his bones. He had a tumor that he said he could feel crawling up his rib cage. His bones were so week that he had several fractured ribs. In late January, we found out that the medication he was originally on, didn't seem to be effective and that the cancer had spread more. Even after gamma knife surgery on the brain, the lesions multiplied. The outlook was grim.

When my dad sat us down to tell us, he wept. But what hurts so badly is that his words were so selfless. He said, "When you hear me cry and see the sorrow in my face, it's not because I'm afraid or because I'm sad about my condition. It's because I look around and see the love in each of you." He knew where he was going. He submitted his life to God's ultimate plan. Throughout this journey, over and over again, my dad said that he trusts God. God is good and He will be glorified through this. Even the night before he took his last breath, he praised God. My mom and brother said that the evening before he passed, he had a conversation and his message was that the world is full of God isn't this or that but HE IS and our message and our lives need to proclaim that He is. He is Risen. He is Faithful. He is Just. He is awesome. He is kind. He is good. He is amazing. He is here. He is Love. HE IS.

My dad was greatly touched by the compassion that was extended to him during this time. He was so touched by the sincerity in peoples words. He told me that when he comes out of this, he is never going to pass by someone hurting without reaching out to them. He said he learned what compassion looks like. What my dad didn't know at the time though, is how many people saw this trait in him. And how many people were touched by him simply saying, "how are you?" in the middle of his busy work day. I hope to pick up where my dad left off and not pass by anyone hurting without reaching out to them. In honor of my dad.


I am still at a loss for words to describe how much I love him, how much I will miss him and how sad I am right now. Maybe some day I'll have the right words. But I want the world to know that God is good. And that my family is still praising God right along side my dad.

And when my final breath you lend
I'll thank you for the life you gave
But that won't mean the praises end
'Cause I won't be silenced by the grave


And your praise goes on, I'll be runnin' to your throne
With every nation, tribe and tongue
To your arms I'll fly, I'll gaze into your eyes
Then I'll know as I am known and your praise goes on


And your praise goes on
And your praise goes on






3 comments:

bug said...

Dear Paige,
You are honoring your dad beautifully by sharing this post and bringing glory to God. What a life-giving thing out of such heartache and pain. I am grateful to have heard more about your dad, and to get a little insight about the beautiful spirit YOU carry around with you. The one that is from your Father, and from your father.
Your family stays in my prayers. Praise God that your dad is out of pain, and that the seeds he planted with his words and actions will surely continue to do God's work.
I'd love to get together when you're ready. A big hug to you ~ Bug

jacquelyn said...

Paige, I have been thinking of you every day. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and his heart. I am glad I thought to check your blog. he sounds like an amazing man. I am blessed to hear him praising God in the midst of suffering. I am blessed to hear you praising God in the midst of loss and suffering. Beautiful. Love to you.
Gwen

Melina Meador said...

"I hope to pick up where my dad left off and not pass by anyone hurting without reaching out to them. In honor of my dad." This is so beautiful, Paige, thank you for being like him. I always think that you are one of the most kind, selfless people I know. I love you.