Welcome to March 2025. Our lives changed forever on March 7th as my Dad passed away suddenly, after being sick for just 2 days. I won't go into all the details, but I trust that as I write about my "Four Somethings" this month, my heart may heal a little more as I continue to put my faith in God, looking for joy and hope in my everyday. If you are interested, here is the link to his obituary. 

I've posted this on Jennifer's blog, along with a few other writers this month.  

Something Loved: Dad was well loved by family and many friends. He never met a stranger and talked to everyone he encountered. He lived life to the very end. So many people remarked how they "just saw him" during one of the days the previous week, as he attended church, the Community Center and an AARP meeting during his last week.  

Something Learned: The Lord enables me to do hard things when needed. Jonathan and I packed quickly after work and drove all night to arrive at the hospital to be with Mom just after Dad had passed. Even in grief, one can be creative. God gave Jonathan a beautiful poem that we placed in the funeral folder, which Rachel and I read during the funeral. Bethany and Jonathan provided music during the funeral, as well. It ministered to my Mom, and our family and friends gathered. 

Something That Went Well: Reconnecting with my aunt, Dad's only surviving, and youngest, sister. I was also able to spend time with some cousins that I haven't seen in years. Cancelling Dad's upcoming doctor's appointments was a task that I could do for Mom. Hard but helpful. 

Something Remembered: I remember playing cards with him when I was little and he taught me how to dance the Jitterbug. One of his favorite places to eat was Das Dutch Haus. We made many trips there over the years and would take a picture by the wagon. The picture on the left was from last summer and on the right, we went in memory of Dad. 

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Memories are beautiful and become more precious when that is all we have remaining.