To Everything there is a Season, that verse from Ecclesiastes is speaking to me right now. My most precious father in law Jack has passed away at 92 years old. He was an extraordinary man who truly lived life to it's fullest.
He was a pilot in WWII flying over 150 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice along with many other medals and commendations.
He went on to serve the Lord in the Gideons passing out thousands of Bibles to soldiers, graduating students, men and women incarcerated in prison, along with stocking motels and hospitals rooms. He also sang weekly in the Merry Elders traveling to nursing homes to brighten the lives of those persons who were often forgotten by their families. In addition to all of that he gathered food from farmers markets to take to homeless missions and collected furniture to set up apartments for needy women with children. Yes he was a great man but he never saw himself that way, he was a simple and humble spirit who loved people and gave of himself tirelessly. He did all of these things right up until a week before he died of lung cancer. Most people never knew he did all of this, we knew because we were blessed to live here on the same property with him,
He has left a huge hole in our lives but we know that he is in glory now and we will be reunited with him again. He was a wonderful example of a Christian and loved the Lord Jesus with all of his heart mind and soul.
We are facing the task of figuring out what to do with everything housed in his 92 year old home. Yes it was built in the same year he was born. If you know anything about people born in his generation, they never wasted or threw anything of value away so there is a big task ahead. His wife's mother and father lived there first. He has left the home to us so we will be moving from the mobile home into the 1920's home in the coming weeks. Fortunately my husbands sister's family will be moving a large portion of the items so mainly we will have to face a lot of painting etc. I feel so blessed to soon be living in the home where so many generations of my husband's family have lived. They were all such good, kind and loving people and the house still rings of their laughter and joy.
So sorry for your loss! You will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh, Teresa- I am so sorry that you have lost such a precious man but I am glad that he was part of your lives for this long. What a blessing. How wonderful that you will be able to move into his home and make it your own. God bless- you are in my prayers. Make sure to post some pictures as you go along! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss...I'll keep you in my prayers. I lost my father-in-law to lung cancer about a year and a half ago. He was only in his sixties...:( What a blessing to be able to move into his house, keep it alive, and make it your own...:) I'm sure he is very happy about that! I look forward to seeing what you do to your new place...Blessings, Vicky
ReplyDeleteLife On Willie Mae Lane
What a wonderful memorial to your father-in-law is in your post. I feel blessed to have read about him. My father too was of that Greatest Generation and also was a pilot in WW II. We lost him in 2001.
ReplyDeleteI pray that as you paint in the house that the good memories will keep blessing you.
I will miss grandpa Jack mom! I know you reminded him of his wife and I'm sure he is very happy you will be moving in the house and making it a home to enjoy for future generations! Grandpa Jack is dancing with Jean in Heaven now!
ReplyDeleteWhat a very devoted man , to his country, family and god. My prayers go out to you and your family. God bless
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine the size of his crown in heaven. What a loving tribute. I can see there are new adventures waiting for you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Theresa @ Finding Grace, Going Mobile
What a wonderful story and such a tribute to a great man. You must feel blessed to have known him and have had in him your life. How wonderful to be moving to a place with so much family history. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
I too, am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful treasured memory to live next door to him and help in his care. Yes, a lot of us "children" have had to clean out our parents home, a big task indeed. But what a wonderful opportunity to be able to make over a very well loved family homestead. What will happen to your lovely mobile home?
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear of your loss, but it sounds as though you were truly blessed to have him in your lives--as were many others. It is good to know that you grieve with hope. May the Lord bless you in the days and weeks to come.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss. What a blessing to have had him in your lives for this amount of time!
ReplyDeleteWow! So sorry for your loss. I know you and your hubby will do a great job of caring for your new homeplace. I hope you will share your progress. I've enjoyed reading about your MH updates. So what happen with your MH now?
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! What a sweet testament to your father in law, and so sweet of him to leave the home to you. You will make it so completely beautiful and filled with spirit. I read the last post first so i was a little confused about the home, but now i understand. I know you are sad about him leaving, but i am excited about you have such a cool house to bring to life.
ReplyDeleteCindy