4 AM phone call

The phone rang at 4 AM this morning. As soon as it rang, I knew that it was my brother, telling me that our Dad had just slipped into eternity.

His passing was expected, and on his part, wished for...longed for. He was not exactly a 'patient man', and when he got something into his head, he wanted it to happen sooner than later. As his illness slowly beat his body down, his one desire was to get on with the next adventure. Dying was taking too long.

But he did it so well. He was ready to go, at peace with himself, those he loved, and his God. We were able to have our last long chats, to say our good byes, and to have him lay his hands on our heads and pray for us and bless us one last time. The grace on his life through his last days and hours was amazing.

So Father's Day 2008 became the day my Father went to see his Father in Heaven. It's the best Father's Day present he ever got. And while we miss Dad, we don't wish him back. That he is 'in a better place' is far more than a trite saying. It's true.

So tonight I catch a plane to Alberta to help with all the arrangements that accompany this sort of thing. I'm pleased to go. It's an honor.