Today, August 14, would have been my Dad’s 77th birthday, had he not died suddenly last November. By this time, I would have called my Dad and wished him a great day. I would then call again in the evening and talk with him about the celebration.

Dad and Mom always made birthdays a big deal with our family. It was a part of the Floyd culture and I am so glad it was, and still is. Jeana and I have tried to do the same with our immediate family.

The first thing I thought of this morning was it being Dad’s birthday. Yesterday morning was the same, thinking “tomorrow would have been Dad’s birthday.”

Grief has many firsts for families who lose loved ones. The first holidays, the first anniversaries, your own personal firsts like your birthday, the first of memorable moments, their first birthday, and then the first anniversary of their death. Mom has walked through almost all of those after today. Dad died on November 17 last year so that will be the last first for all of us.

I asked Mom yesterday, “How are you dealing with it?“ She said she is doing well, thinking of various tough things that Dad now does not have to encounter since he is with the Lord. The toughest is with our family’s little Macy. Mom reminded me that Dad was a worrier, and he was. He would have been so upset emotionally with Macy’s forthcoming heart surgery. Mom also shared with me that every one who has had a dream about Dad, always sees him as laughing and smiling; therefore, she takes that as God’s way to communicate Dad’s happiness in heaven.

Mom’s conversation does put it in perspective. For the believer, heaven knows no pain and happiness is the agenda for the day. How can it be otherwise since you are with the Lord Himself personally?

Whether it is for me, or maybe God will do it for me, but I asked Him this morning, “Lord, please wish Dad a Happy Birthday for me today on his first birthday in heaven.“ Only the Lord knows how and even if He will handle that; perhaps in heaven it does not matter. I do not think we will know until we get there.

Pray for Mom today … going to call her now.