Wow gims,
A 52-year ministry. That's awesome. "Pawpaw's" orbituary was an inspiration. It sounds like your Father was a fine, fine man.
You have my sympathy. I know how it hurts to lose a Daddy!
Prayers and blessings...

(((Gims))) my condolences on the loss of your father. Fathers are our rock to this world. May his words and memory always inspire you.

Gims, how are you today?

Wondering the same. I sent a PM and haven't heard. Anyone heard from our gims?

I am good... I am great!
I have not lost him - he is still with me! It is amazing. I can feel a warmth on my left shoulder... hard to explain, but I get thoughts - clear thoughts. This we didn't have in his last days because one sister was keeping the two of us apart. How long this feeling will last, I hate to ask. I will tell you about the week before and the night he passed. Around 9/27, the sister mentioned above (the one living in my parents' house and caring for him, when he couldn't care for himself), sent an email telling everyone that Daddy wanted to see each of us. This sister used old/unused email addresses for two of us - knowingly. Another sister caught it and forwarded the message to us, but didn't remind the emailing sister of her error... I got news Wednesday eve, and my Thursday was taken....and over the past four years we have had alarms galore... BUT, by then, he had gotten worse, not being able to focus - his body was shutting down. Then Friday, the sister sent out another, saying he really wanted to see each of us (8). Again, she used bad addresses for two of us, adding a third. By that evening he had passed. I got the call at near midnight...
My reaction... I grabbed my walking cane (the one I use for dogs) and took off walking. The night was so wonderful, stars twinkled, moon clear, air crisp, a light fog over the pasture... he picked an absolutely beautiful night... and he walked with me. I know he did. His memorial service was almost perfect.

It would take a book (on its own) to spell out the synchronicity from this past Thurs eve. til Sunday afternoon... not saying it wasn't rough (really rough) at moments, but remembering unexplainable incidents and watching it play out in my mind, afterwards, I just KNOW he was helping me. If it wasn't him, it was something bigger!

Thank you ALL for your thoughts, prayers and concerns. love you gals!

gims, glad to hear you were felling blessed thorughout the entire process. It might be a good idea to journal some of this while it's still fresh in your memory. I journaled throughout Mom's illness, death, etc, but haven't picked up the journals yet. Maybe one snowy day, I'll do so.

Welcome home. You were missed and frequently thought about.

Hi Gims

Wow, what a beautiful explanation of "transition" and the power of our loved ones to remain with us when we allow it.

I can't imagine how tough it was to feel so excluded and "out of the loop" that you were unable to be there. It sounds like you are handling it well...and, it is a time of grief and challenge too.

Please enjoy those touches from beyond and know they are such an amazing gift.

Hi Gims, I'm glad you popped in to tell us of that night, which sounds both mysterious and miraculous. Dotsie, is it not so so hard to revisit that experience? In some ways when you re read your journals, you will re live the experience. On the other hand, you will no doubt gain a new perspective, find blessings within the pages, and grow in some way, you know what I mean?

Mona, I've been out of the country and haven't had Internet access since early October. You've been in my heart and prayers while I've been traveling - I was so very sorry to hear about your Dad and so sorry I couldn't respond sooner. My heart aches with you...I hope you know how much I care and hold you in love and prayer.

PL, I'm half afraid to go back and read them, but your post is encouraging me to do so.

Eagle Heart - we've been missing you girlfriend! Welcome home! I'll be looking for a post about your trip.