Pay it forward...

Pop, I'd love to believe that you are listening to me right now and reading my words.  Leading up to our final good-byes...your graveside and Memorial service is more than difficult to imagine.  Last night in preparation, I was brushing up on some songs on the keyboard.  It was hard to think about, but I'll do my very best...for you.  I know you don't want us to be sad, but our hearts hurt so much.  We were never meant to have to say good-bye.  But, to the best of my mind's understanding, I know this good-bye is not forever.

I've been thinking a lot about you and our times together...especially this week.  I can't thank you enough for your many gifts of encouraging words.  They will forever remain in my heart; what a priceless treasure.  Our deep and rich conversations have always been so meaningful to me.  And, we've had the sort of relationship where all we need to do is look each other in the eyes and know exactly what the other is thinking or feeling...as neither one of us are the "chatty" type.  :)  But, what you did say means the world to me.  Those are private moments that I will cherish in my heart forever.  I know how much you love me.  And, I know you are certain of the same.  You are the best father-in-law...ever.

So, allow me to pay it forward.  For your words of encouragement...allow me to encourage you now: 

Matthew 25:  31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Then verse 23:  "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’  

You are a true servant.

P.S.  Your son, especially, and your grand-daughter are having a really rough time with this.  You are so special to her.  She's been crying herself to sleep and wants you to come back. We've been talking about your last "birthday blessing" on her forehead and how much she will really miss that.  And, this morning she's been talking about your new body...and how you are probably doing "the jitterbug" again.  :)  Jesus is blessing her through her imagination and those times bring happiness to her heart...as well as to ours.