I'm sitting in the back seat of my car. Tears are running down my cheeks as I listen to a James Taylor song on the radio saying something about being down and troubled and when you need a helping hand, you've got a friend. Well I don't feel that I have a friend in the world at this moment.
We're on our way home from what was to be a weekend outing. It's the first time we have been away in 3 months. We went to Arkansas to the sight where 12 weeks before this day my husband broke his neck in a truck wreck. We were staying with his dad and step mother in Sallisaw when my cousins showed up to take us home. It's July 26, 1975.
My cousin's husband is driving my the car as my husband sits in the passenger seat, unable to drive due to a hard shell brace he is wearing for his broken neck. My two cousins are following behind in their car. My 18 month old daughter is not coming with us at this time; she's staying behind with her grandpa and grandma. We're traveling at what seems to be a snail's pace!
My daddy has passed away today! A heart attack has taken my 53 year old daddy; my friend; my best friend; my daddy; my wonderful DADDY!
And now I'm home. Home where I'll never see him again. Home to make funeral arrangements. I'm only 24 years old. I have a small child. I have a husband to care for. Lord, I do not feel I can go on.
I am down and troubled and yes, I need a friend to brighten up even the darkest night just like the song says. But.......I'm not walking with the Lord and I'm not sure of anything today.
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It's been 33 years and one week since that day. Over the years I've heard that James Taylor song many times and my thoughts immediately go to the sadness I felt at that time in my life. Today, however, when I hear those lyrics I realize how fortunate I am that I don't have to feel alone. I know who is my friend............His name is Jesus.
Do I get "down" and feel troubled? Sure I do. But when we're walking with the Lord we know where to turn. HE is always there for us in our darkest hour. HIS word is there to comfort us.
HE is our friend who loves us more than anyone.
One of the wonderful blessings I've received from a group of ladies at my church is to learn "scripture songs." One particular "song" is from Isaiah 43:1-3. "...Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God."
My daddy is in Heaven. My HEAVENLY FATHER is right here beside me.
God bless you today.
Judy
Monday, August 4, 2008
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4 comments:
Judy,
That is a beautiful post.
I'm thinking about my own daughter who is 25 and thinking how hard that would be for her to go through something like you went through at her age.
I'm so sorry your daddy passed away so young.
I too love those special Scripture songs we've learned.
Love you Judy!
Yeah Judy...
We did it! I see that you have some new blogging fav's on here now and so glad I'm one of them.
I love having that list to click on....makes it so easy.
Thanks for your sweet friendship.
You have always been one of my best friends. Love you and praying for safe travels for y'all.
Love,
Val
Judy! I was so excited to see a post from you!! Thanks for the sweet comment about the house (the builder was on time today...he must have gotten a new watch since we last met or else I would have been getting him one :) ).
This post was beautiful! I can't imagine going through so much at such a young age, and with a young child. Isn't it amazing the strength God gives us during tough times!
Glad to see your posting! Hopefully our computer will be fixed soon and I'll be able to post/ read more regularly!
See you in San Antonio in one week!!
I'm glad you and David made it back safe and sound and had a good trip.
I thought about you off and on all week.
Thanks for the comments on my blog.
The skunk one was funny, but I thought there has to be a story I can use here somehow! :)
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