It was very early in the morning on October 20 when the Lord called our wonderful Dad home. He would have had his 72nd birthday later that week, but it was not to be. Mom and Catherine and I walked out of the hospital a bit after 6 am having said goodbye and knowing now that Dad was safely in the arms of the Lord.

There was no doubt about that in our minds. Jesus had kept His word and the “good and faithful servant” was at rest in Jesus.

I don’t know what happens when we die. I have read the books and seen the movies that talk about a light and a warm feeling. But that’s not entirely reliable when the people who tell the story are alive to tell it. So yes, I’m a bit skeptical about that.

What I do know is this, the thief on the cross who spoke to Jesus was assured “today you will be with me in paradise”. That’s all I need.

I’ve written plenty here about my Dad, our Dad… Leanne, Catherine, and I. Yes, we thought he was terrific, that he had a great sense of humour, and that he loved Jesus and us; that he was a loving and faithful husband to Mom and how their partnership is life served us as a family.

Today I simply mark this day with gratitude and appreciation for God’s provision in my life of such a man.