For the first few months after daddy passed, I would count down how long he had been gone. After awhile, months passed and all of a sudden September hit. September 2020 has not been at all what we expected. Philip began having health issues, our dog had a seizure, and then of course...September 18th came. I am currently sitting in the ER as my husband has tests ran to determine what is happening with his health. Not a normal death anniversary at all. 

I always knew I would come out on the other side of daddy’s passing okay, mama and I both. I feel like the Lord has given me a peace and reminded me more than anything that he is in control. Yesterday, I broke down walking the dog thinking of the prep work that I was doing this time last year. It was always weird thinking here my dad is, laying waiting to pass and here we are around him planning his passing. I wouldn’t change the journey the Lord has put me and my family on. It’s not been easy but he has taught me to trust in Him and not what doctors can do or even I can do. It’s taught me to see people as people. I think daddy defiantly modeled for me to see people as people. He may have been fiery at times but he loved people. He poured into them, he would do anything for his friends. I ask you to pay that foreword. 

Lastly, this past year has also taught me that you never should stop praying or pursuing someone to come to know the Lord. Daddy fought so hard back on realizing that Christ did everything so that he might have life. Even though I wish he would have come to know the Lord sooner, it was worth the wait to see him come to the saving knowledge that when he passed into eternity he would be with our Lord. What a relentless God we serve that he loves us so much that he never stops pursuing us! 

Today, I celebrate my memories of my dad. I pulled out my “toolbox” more of a bin filled with tools that has no order at all...out to do a project..ironically that my dad would have hated with glitter. It was refreshing to see his handwriting on the battery pack of the drill with the word “good” though. 

Please pray for my mom as she is going through this time of year without me there. Also, pray for Philip as we try to figure out what is going on with him. 

I urge you, continue to pray for the one person in your life that needs to come to know the Lord. Because of Jesus, I can rest on this day, I can celebrate in knowing my dad is with our father. ❤️