In 1990 my husband left for the United States to set up a ‘new’ life for us. In order for us to save some money for the new home, I had moved back in with my parents. My dad had been sick for years with cancer. He was always in good spirits, no matter how he felt or how sick the chemotherapy made him.
I remember the day Daniel and I left Germany. My dad and I sat down in the waiting room of the airport to have a heart-to-heart talk. Looking into my dad’s sad eyes, I knew it would be the last time I see him this side of heaven.
He died a month after we had left.
After receiving the call at 4am on March 23rd 1991, I was angry at God, the world and myself. I cried for 3 days. How could a loving and just God take a man who loved and served Him at a age of 52? How could I, his daughter, leave Germany knowing that 6,000 miles would be between us? Why was I not allowed to leave the US to attend my dad’s funeral? I was heartbroken for years.
It took 6 years and a Sunday sermon to get over the death of my dad. That particular Sunday morning, God spoke peace to my heart; that one day I shall see my dad again, celebrating new life in heaven.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Word count: 259
This short memoir is my submission to Mary DeMuth’s 259-WORD MEMOIR KINDLE CONTEST in honor of her new book “Thin Places“. The contest runs until tomorrow night, February 12th, 2010 – still time for you to enter :). To find out more about Mary’s new book and the contest, please visit “Thin Places Blog Tour“.
My friend, this is beautiful, so heart touching. I love you.
Iris this is beautiful. I am so glad you wrote this out. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Oh Iris, how beautiful is this post. It may have taken years but it was God’s Word that brought the healing you needed. 52 years old is so young and I can only imagine your feelings of fear and uncertainty leaving your dad and your homeland. You are fearless with the Lord.
I love you,
Debbie
What a touching story Iris. I can certainly understand how your heart was hurting. It is so encouraging to see the truth of the Father’s promises lived out in someone’s life. He has given us a great hope and His peace really does fill our hearts as we rest in Him.
Thank you.
I can sure relate to this. Beautifully written too. My dad died of cancer at 67… still young in my book. I railed at God “He’s MY dad!” and a gentle, loving reminder came that “He’s my son.” God is faithful. Always…
Iris, thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Thanks so much for sharing your struggle and the answer. What a difficult journey!
Hi Iris ~ I’m trying to get the word out about an old Lenten tradition from Finland, it’s especially good for observing Lent with children. I posted about it awhile back, the link is here, Lenten Grass.
Please forgive my commenting ‘off topic’. If you find this inappropriate, please just delete the comment, I looked for but didn’t find an e-mail address.
Many thanks, Alanna