What a Journey We Have All Been On With My Dad’s Sudden Death last Thursday morning. The loss has been so felt personally and the sudden nature placed all of us in a state of shock.  People say, "Well, he was 76 years of age…yada…yada…" like that is to take away the punch.  Well, it does not.

76 Years Builds More Memories and Greater Love.  For example, tomorrow is Thanksgiving and for years, my parents have hosted a massive family gathering at their home.  In recent years, we have not been able to be a part of that gathering due to many things.  Yet, tomorrow, it will be moved to my brother’s home.  Why?  The memories are too great for everyone to "live over again this soon."  The list could go on and on in my days there over this past week.  The challenge of death is:  this is the beginning of many of these kinds of experiences and feelings, not the end.

As my walked away towards my plane yesterday in Victoria, Texas, I just could not look back at my Mom and Linda.  I could not bear it.  It would usually be three, now just two.  As Jeana and I peered out the window, seeing their car looking at us depart in the air, my heart sank again.  Reality… Dad is gone.  Yes, to be with Jesus, but gone from them and from us… for now.  The now is what hurts.  The now is where the challenges are… from adjustments, to decisions, to attorneys, to financial challenges.  Wow, and it is just the beginning.  Oh God, help us get Mom and Linda through it.

Church on Sunday for my Mom will be… I cannot imagine it enough to even write it!  You see, Sunday was the most important day of the week in the lives of my parents.  It was just "not another day" or "not another social engagement to attend."  It was a day of worship, a day of life, a day to meet up with God and His people.  The "empty chair" will exist, even if someone occupies the chairs beside her for comfort. 

Last yesterday afternoon, my friend John David Lindsey, had his corporate plane come to pick us up and bring Jeana and I back into Northwest Arkansas.  We are home.  The sober reminders abound, even though distanced by miles, but life does go on.  Life has to go on. 

Therefore, this Sunday I will be back in the pulpit at both of our locations, bringing forth the message from God’s Word.  I am very grateful for my great friend, Bruce Perkins, who filled in the gap for me last Sunday with a short 72 hour notice.  I will be eternally grateful to he and Pam for many things in life, but most of all, love and friendship.  Pray for me please as I prepare myself in every way to deliver the Word of God.

Late yesterday afternoon I dropped by the office for a few minutes.  Already many gone for the holidays, activity had slowed, and the life of staff and church move forward.  I am thankful to all of them who stood in the gap for me these last seven days.

I am thankful for the numerous cards, notes, flowers, and even those whom I do know have already given a Memorial to my Dad’s church for their new building program.  Your encouragement at whatever level expressed in whatever way is appreciated deeply.  Thanks so very much.

I am thankful to the Hunts, the Schwyharts, the Georges, and the Lindseys who have shared the resources entrusted to them to mobilize my family via private planes.  With Thanksgiving Days being one of the, if not the most traveled holidays of the year, my family would have had a terrible time attempting to get flights, much less ones that would have been friendly to schedule.  With family 12 hours away, this is just one of those obstacles we face periodically.  However, dear selfless friends came through for us and I am grateful to God for them sharing their travel blessings with us.  Otherwise, so much would have been impossible and even more exhausting.

Enough… yes, my tank is empty… nothing left, but by the Lord’s Day, He will be faithful to lift me up and support me.  His strength will become my strength. 

I do hope you and your family will have a blessed Thanksgiving.  Tomorrow for a brief two to four hour period of time, the full-time football coaches at our school and their families will be in our home having Thanksgiving lunch.  This is just one of those things you do when you are in the middle of playoff season.  Their families are away from Northwest Arkansas.  All of us will be family tomorrow. 

Therefore, my sweet and precious wife, Jeana, will be preparing all the stuff for a pretty large Thanksgiving meal tomorrow, following a morning practice.  The team will practice on Thanksgiving morning (nothing like it… Nick and I will be there… it is a great feel to be out there on Thanksgiving Day) and leave tomorrow afternoon at 5:00 p.m. to drive five hours away for their Friday night ball game.  Pray for their safety and the other teams around our state who will be doing the same. 

Jeana has walked through these days with me, lifting me up, holding my hand, loving me in my deepest moments of sorrow.  She is the best and I am grateful to God for her. 

I am not sure you will hear again from me until Monday, but you might check back.  I am just not sure at this point.  I may need to write some to download some stuff to you.  God bless you my friends.

I love you.