My dad wasn't always the kind hearted, loving person people came to know in the last 5 years of his life. He was born in Pinot, KY, and had a twin that passed as an infant. I don't know much about his life growing up, and some of what I do know it isn't important to share. He grew up on the west side of Indianapolis, IN. He served in the Army, but I am unsure of how many years. My parents were married on Feb 9, 1974 and he always told people that was one of the best things that happened to him next to his Salvation.
I am going to jump ahead to 1992. In 1992 my dad decided it was best for him to leave our family. I was hurt and devastated. I was angry at him for choosing this, but this is when things truly changed in our family. My mom said she refused to sign divorce papers and started fasting and praying for my dad. For those who say fasting and praying doesn't work let me finish this story. My dad did come back but a couple of weeks later he left again and this time moved to Tennessee. I saw my mom fast and pray again for their marriage. She was STILL willing to forgive him for leaving and moving with another woman. Not many have the strength to do this, but I am so THANKFUL that my Mom did because God worked and got a hold of my Dad's heart. He came home for good in Aug of 1993. The difference was unbelievable, and I know ONLY God could change him and make him what he was.
My dad became a totally different person. He tried to always speak kind to everyone, and had a zeal for the Lord I had never seen in him before. He was hired as the janitor for our church and he LOVED every moment of it. He took pride in making sure God's house was always ready for services. I have never seen the floors shine like my dad was able to get them to do. He loved going to the mission too. He once told me that by the grace of God he did not go there when he deserved to. I was privileged to have him walk me down the isle when I got married in 1995. I am so thankful for the changes that came.
On April 11, 1998, Rob and I spent the day with my parents. My dad had lost his vision due to the brain tumor, but he was coaching me on how to make Pecan Pies. Rob and I went home at about 10, and as we walked in the door our phone was ringing. My mom was calling to tell us something was wrong with my Dad. I told her to call 911 and we were on our way. Thankfully we only lived 2 minutes away. We arrived before the paramedics and while my Mom was giving them the information I went into the room with him. While sitting with him he kept looking straight at the ceiling and reaching, I thought he wanted my hand but he kept pushing it away. As the paramedics moved him off the bed he took his last breath. I believe he saw the Angels coming to take him home. I still miss him today, and wish my girls could have met their Poppy Smith. He was only on earth for a short time, but I know in the last 5 years of his life he strived to live as Christ wanted him to live. I am thankful for the example he was to me.
I remember your dad.. and through some tough times I heard him say several times that he loved your mom, you and your brother... he was hard on you but he loved his family. Thank you for sharing your story. What is remembered, lives.
ReplyDeleteWow, Elizabeth looks so much like him! Great dedication Corey.
ReplyDelete