Daddy's Shepherd

16 years!

It was 16 years ago today that we stood by daddy's bedside -- knowing he would soon take his last breath. 

After battling Myelo Displastic Syndrome for seven years, he had chosen to no longer receive the blood of a donor.  He had told my son, Tray, that he had been hearing about Heaven his whole life and was anxious to see it for himself.  

He also wanted to see his Shepherd.

And so it was that we were now awaiting that - 

Father John Palarine had prayed and thanked the Lord for the life daddy had lived and the loving care he had given our mother and us - and our children and theirs.

And then Rev. Kevin Pound prayed- His words reflected daddy's favorite portion of Scripture, and he personalized them, saying that he knew the Lord is Earl's Shepherd, that Earl knew lacked nothing, and most of all there was a place for Earl at the table - and that Earl was on the way to live in the house of the Lord forever.

I had often read about people dying.  Our family had stood around the bedside when daddy's brother, Ted, died in 1985.  I had not been sure about how I would take it when it was my daddy.  In fact, I had told him I didn't want to be there.  I was sure I would not know what to do.  However, the wonderful Hospice staff had helped me prepare, and although I was heartbroken, I was ready.

I don't think I've ever really gotten over daddy's passing, or mother's, for that matter.  I know that to be true because I talk about both of them ALL THE TIME.  I'm sure those I  spend time with wonder if I will ever not have a story about Earl the Pearl or Iva Lou.

However, I do believe in Heaven, and I know that both of my parents are there, along with the Shepherd.

A few weeks ago, after almost 24 years of knowing that cancer was a part of his body, my dear friend, Ron Allen, took his last breath.  A short time later, Ron's wife, Bonnie, who has been my close friend since childhood, brought me this photo.  Ron loved going into the homes of shut-ins to play and sing.  The date on the photo is August 22, 2009. It's a little hard to see, but on the table by daddy is a shepherd.

I used that photo in a Facebook post when I was remembering Ron's life.  And, as it sometimes happens with a computer, the image occasionally appears on my homescreen.  It makes me smile.  

Because I know that daddy - and mother - and so many of my loved ones who have now gone to Heaven - are there with their Shepherd.

             May you have enough sunshine in your life,  to help you appreciate the shadows

Note: The Huffingham family appreciates those who are blood donors.  Once, daddy saw a note on a car in the church parking lot that indicated a blood donor owned that vehicle.  He waited to see the person so that he could personally thank her, and she became a friend.  I'm sorry, I don't know the person's name, so I wouldn't be able to express our thanks as well.  If you are a blood donor, please know othat you are appreciated.