My Dad died three weeks ago today.   I got the call a little past 6PM.   He was gone.    You are never ready for this call nor for the death of a loved one.   I thought we'd have Pop for a number more years.  After all, his Dad died at age 98 and his Mom died at age 95.    We all just figured we'd have Dad into his 90s as well.  But, it was not to be.   

The loss is tough and the grief is deep.    I have often preached  from the pulpit that grief is a gift from God - - a God-given gift that enables us to heal.    Now I am getting the experience of "practicing what I preach."    While I grieve Pop's loss,  it is such a comfort to know he lived an active, vibrant life literally until he breathed his last breath.     On the day he died he worked out at the heart rehab center; he "rescued" Mom at the local Wal-Mart parking lot, as she had gotten her car key stuck in the ignition and could not remove it (he was the knight in shining armor - - which gave him such pride); and, he picked up his granddaughter from school and brought her home; and, did some manuscript work in between.     Not a bad day for an eighty-six year old man with heart disease who was to pass away a few hours later!

In all my nearly fifty-five years with Pop, every day was an adventure.    Pop was a pioneer persona.   He loved to investigate, explore and travel.   He taught me so much about exploring life and setting and reaching goals.    As his children, he always reminded us to keep our options open.    But, while reminding us of options, he graciously and patiently stood back and allowed and encouraged us to make our own choices.  

Most of all, in the midst of my grief, my heart rejoices because I know that Pop is singing in the heavenly choir.   How Pop loved to sing!     That was one of the main ways he worshiped.   Singing was worship and therapy for Pop.    At his Christian Service of Death and Resurrection I had the privilege of singing (with the help of my wife, Karen, and son Joshua and daughter, Anna)  the song "Go Rest High on That Mountain," a song written by Vince Gill.   (My apologies to Vince as I re-wrote the first verse for Dad's life).  The words were these:

1. I know you're life on earth was blessed;  Serving God and humankind.
You served with strength and, oh, such vigor,
You gave God body, soul and mind.

Chorus:  So go rest high upon that mountain, Dad your work on earth is done;
Go to heaven a shouting;  Love for the Father and the Son

2. Oh, how we cried the day you left us;  Gathered round your grave and grieved.
Wish I could see the angels' faces as they hear your sweet voice sing.

Chorus

Pop, Go rest high on that mountain....the mountains and the people you loved and served.   In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.