One year

One year ago today my dad's life on earth came to an end and he started his new life in heaven.

This has been a rough year. In ways it has gotten easier as the months went on, in that I do not cry at the drop of a hat every hour of everyday but it is harder in that as the boys grow it really hurts me that they do not have my dad around as that strong Godly influence in their lives.

Birthdays have been the hardest. Whether it is mine knowing that I wasn't getting that phone call that day or it is my kids birthday knowing how much they have grown since dad has gone.

I had this whole post planned where I would tell you funny stories of my dad and quite frankly there are a lot. But I can't think of a one right now. I can't even concentrate on anything.

So instead I want to take the time to thank you all for all the sweet comments, encouragement, and prayers over this year. They really have meant a lot to me.

Thank you all so much!

I did want to share with you one story that a friend of mine emailed me after dad's celebration service.

The Lord placed a young homeless man in my life Friday night Dec. 4^th. My family put him up in a hotel, and fed him a meal. I got to sit and talk with him for a while. He is 19 and living on the street. The Lord is really going after this one. The next day, the Lord impressed on my heart to take him to the service for Ted. I had no fear in doing this because I knew it would be a celebration of a life well lived and that this young man needed a Godly example of a man. We were pulling up to church and he says to me “I have been to this Church before. I visited and missed my bus and one of your pastors took me back to where I was staying.”

We get into the service and it was awesome! The number of people celebrating Ted’s life and ministry, even in the personal pain of missing him. I miss him.

About halfway through, this young man looks at me and says, “That’s the guy that gave me a ride!” Of course it was…

In an unsurprising act of service, Ted opened a door for the Lord to use. By his life, the Lord showed this young man what a legacy is and what a man who loves Jesus looks like. By his homecoming, the Lord brought the circle closed in this young man’s mind that the Lord loves him and is showing His hand and plan in his life. I used that door to let this young man know that the Lord is screaming his name.

I pray that Mr. Genius and I can continue this legacy my dad left with our boys.