We can’t know the day or the hour. On Aug 28, 2020, my sweet Daddy, went home to be with the Lord. The news of his passing was a shock because just ten days prior, when visiting in person, he was so alive. Of course I am sad, but I’m grateful for the Lord’s kindness for allowing one last extra special visit during a pandemic.
Last Words
I’ve re-lived my final moments with Daddy. And even with an unsatisfactory hug-less good-bye, Daddy seemed good. He was happy and content. We talked of plans to visit over the holidays and promised to deliver all the back-rubs he had stockpiled because of Covid. His last words to me were… “ok sweetheart, Don’t forget… you are guided.”
I smiled. The phrase had become special between us, almost like the secret code to life.
You are Guided
After college graduation, I moved from State College and never moved back, unlike my three siblings and their families. Perhaps because I was further from the nest, Daddy sensed I had further to fall. In any case, this was his word for me and he consistently repeated it, “you are guided.” Those words ended nearly every conversation and were written in every card. And you know what… because he believed it was true, I started to believe it too.
Rolling Back Time
Leaving Daddy this time, the calendar rolled back. As I walked to the car with wet eyes I imagined being four years old, clinging to my Daddy’s hand. Even though I’m all grown up, there is something about our history that makes me more sure footed after time spent with him. I wonder why?
My Father’s Hands
While sifting through pictures, daddy’s obvious traits demand notice — his warm smile, his kind eyes and his easy laugh. But today as I think of him, I remember the feel of his hands. Calloused from years of hard work, those thick sausage fingers would swallow mine. And I know now why I loved the feeling of my hand in his so much. I felt secure and loved in my father’s hands.
Way Back When
I remember when I was a squirmy four year old having to sit still in the center pew of the Methodist Church balcony. To pacify me, Daddy would clasp both my hands in one of his. Eventually, I’d wriggle one free. But it was his hands that held my attention. I would draw on his palm, study his huge knuckles, compare my tiny hands to his and twirl his wedding ring. It’s amazing to me how much time could pass, simply entertained by my daddy’s hands.
Security
I get it now. A sense of security has been my Daddy’s greatest gift to me. And that gift is best exemplified by his strong purposeful hands. When I think about it, his hands were the instruments most necessary for all my gifts as his daughter… provision, protection, correction and love.
As a laborer, Daddy’s hands, quite literally, put food on our table. Yet consistently those hands would clasp together in prayer. My daddy wasn’t a fighter, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t protected. Even though I dreaded it, Daddy had to meet any boy I wanted to date. Daddy’s firm consuming handshake did the trick. Without words the message was clear… you treat my daughter well, she is loved and she has back up.
Yes, it was those same hands that would swat my backside when I needed correction. But then later were quick to hold me and reassure me, that I was forgiven and loved.
No Secret at All
It makes sense to me now. That secret code, “you are guided,” was no secret at all. Daddy was guiding me to the One who guided him. As wonderful as he was as a father, Daddy was a meager shadow of our Heavenly Father.
It’s clear though where my Daddy learned his greatness. He too, was secure in His Father’s hands. And now lives with Him, forevermore.
Romans 8:31.32 If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
Romans 8:38,39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for my Daddy. And thank you for Your provision, protection, correction and love. You taught him well. You are the secure rock we both stand on. My heart is full knowing my Daddy is whole again. I look forward to his strong, secure Heavenly embrace, with no sign of Parkinson’s. Thank you Lord. Amen.
My favorite pictures of my precious Daddy.
Beautiful Debbie. He was a man of God and a special friend. Prayers for you and the family. Love. Dottie
Thank you Dottie.
Could hardly read this through my tears. God bless you Debbie through your sorrows and joys in memories of your sweet Daddy. What a beautiful tribute to him.
Thanks Terri. I am praying hard for your family.
Debbie, it sounds like you were blessed beyond measure to have had such a wonderful Father. The Lord is good. I was blessed in the same way. I also was blessed to have been with him as he passed away 30 years ago, as I was with my Mother 4 years ago. I know they are both at peace and without pain. My heart goes out to you.
Friends in Christ,
Toni
Thank you Toni
Sweet memories of a sweet Daddy ❤️
Sending Prayers From
The Frans Family ????????
Thank you Barb. Miss you all.
Thank you Debbie. Beautiful tribute to your father. I feel like I know him just through your words.
Praying for you!
Thank you Betsy.
Thank you for your wonderful tribute to your daddy. Love you and praying for you.
Thank you Anne.
Deb,
Beautiful words. Your Dad sounded like a wonderful father. I’m sorry for your loss but what heart felt memories.
Thank you for your inspiring thoughts.
Carlotta
Thank you Carlotta.
What a lovely tribute to your father. My hope is that my daughter will feel the same way about me when my time comes. Condolences to you, Doug, and your family.
Thank you John
Beautiful tribute. So glad you had so many wonderful moments and memories with your dad.
Thank you Brooke.
Debbie, I was so sorry to hear about your father. What a blessing you were able to visit with both parents; it seemed like he was just waiting for you. Wonderful to hear of your long relationship that matured over the years. It is always sad to lose a loved one no matter how expected. Take heart, you have many memories.
Thank you Kerry.
What a rich, rich blessing to have had a father who loved you so much and who touched your life so deeply. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of him with us. I know your intimate tribute is a gift to your whole family. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Thank you Dorma.
What a legacy he was, I see what he has accomplished and it is good. I will pray for your family for the comfort Christ gives to you and Doug and the children.
Thank you Gerrie.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Debbie. Regardless of age or circumstances, the passing of a parent is hard. My dad died 4 years ago, and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him and miss him. How wonderful that we have hope and love in Christ Jesus.
Amen. Thank you Katherine.
Debbie, Your words touched me and brought back many memories of my Dad, his hands, his hugs and his guidance. He’s been gone 24 years and still guides me. Many times over the years since his passing I have heard and felt his guidance and you will too. Even though you won’t have the hugs and hand holding you will feel his guidance. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love to all of you.❤️
Thank you Leslie.
Such a wonderful tribute to your loving father Debbie. We can be comforted knowing that our loved ones are whole and abiding in our Heavenly Father’s arms.
You will always have a hole in your heart, but it will get smaller with your wonderful memories of your sweet father. Every day you will see your hands in his hands and your heart will do a little skip knowing he will always be there.
Aww thank you Liz.
What a lovely tribute to your Daddy. It takes me back to when I lost my Daddy. They sound so similar. I am so glad that you were able to see him recently. What a special time for you and your children. Your in our prayers.
Thank you Emmy.
Those hands and those loving arms wrapped around you will continue
to be a warm and comforting blessing as you are guided. What joy lives on in the memories. Our love to the family.
Fred Prager
Thank you Fred. We miss you all. Thanks for your kind words.
Debbie, I was so sorry to hear about your dad. It sounds like he was a wonderful father, and I can only imagine all the wonderful memories of him that you have. We are never ready for our parents death! They are always so comforting to us! Well, he is no longer suffering. He is now in happy bliss and he will really be watching over you and guiding you now!!!!! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful tribute! You are the best!
Love, Mary
Thank you Mary.
Debbie,
I was very sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. Very thankful you were able to see him so recently. May he rest in peace. And, may you receive God’s comfort in the coming days. God Bless you and your family.
Thank you Mary.
Beautiful, vivid photos and word pictures of your Dad! How blessed you are! Thanks for sharing him with us.
Thank you Dave and Cathy. Thx for indulging me.
Oh Debbie, I’m sad for your loss and you reminded me of when my father went to heaven. I’m so glad you got to see him just 10 days before he died! God is so good. It reminds me of what a Hospice Nurse told me years ago about how those who are dying, try to wait until they get to say goodbye to those they love before they leave earth. Not always, of course, but this was true with both of my parents. Love you and praying for you.
Thank you Berta!
I am sorry for your loss. Your love for each other shows in your Dad stories. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Thank you wendy
deb, My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your “Daddy.” I am Thankful you had a recent
time together with him a sweet memories of that special time.
Peace be with you,
Julie
Thank you Julie
Debbie-I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. You obviously had a very special bond. He looked SO proud in your wedding picture! What wonderful memories. How fortunate you were able to see him while he was doing so well.
Prayers for your family and particularly your mom.
Thank you Judie
Debbie, thank you so much for sharing your precious memories of your dad, truly a giant among men. Oh the memories we have as well, but none as precious as yours, a daughter’s very unique and love-filled ones. The Roeshot family has always been a beautiful example for the Johnson crew. Love all 6 of you, and now all who are part of the extended and loving Roeshot crew. Hugs and prayers for sweet memories and peace.
Thank you for your kind words Mrs. Johnson. The feeling is mutual. You’re among the “friends” that feel like family. Quite remarkable what the study group fostered.
Debbie you certainly painted a wonderful portrait of your daddy! I have so many fond memories as well growing up with your dad as one of the wonderful study group dads. He was like a giant teddy bear and I too remember noticing his hard working hands they were huge ! Back rubs and hard pretzels were his favorite right ? I’m sorry for your loss and our loss as well. He was a faithful servant and a loving man !
Gretchen, So nice to hear from you. You are right… he loved back rubs and pretzels. Thanks for your kind words. I’m thankful we’ll get to see him again.
Debbie, what a loving tribute to your father. I loved hearing him sing in your last blog. It touched my heart. My mother passed away one year ago today. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a parent. You have my deepest condolences.
Thank you Cathy
Such an emotional, heart-felt piece of writing, Debbie. As ever, your words are inspirational. I’m so glad you got to be with your father quite recently – I strongly suspect he was holding on just for that.
Thank you Helen.
Such a beautiful tribute to your father. It made me cry and remember all the things I miss about my dad. Thank you for sharing. Sending you prayers of comfort and peace to you and your family!
Thank you Diane.
Sincere condolences to you Debbie & your entire family & friends who knew your dad. Lost my dad in February and I think of him every single day. How fortunate are we daughters that had loving fathers who followed the Lord. What a blessing for us!
Amen Karen.
This is beautiful, Debbie. Your father was a loving model of joy and faith. Thank you for sharing the depth of your relationship.
Thank you Ruthie.
Debbie,
We were saddened to hear of your Father’s passing. you were blessed to have him as a father. we too remember his ready smile and kindness. So sorry he did not meet his new Great-Grand-daughter, Dylan Caye. We will all miss his sunshine.
Thank you Mrs. Persic.
It has been my pleasure to know your daddy through your storied words. He was a loving and supportive father and you will miss him dearly. Know the many memories you shared will live in your heart forever. Sending sincere sympathy to you and your family for your loss. Blessings to you.
Thank you Ellen.
Debbie,
What a wonderful moving tribute to your loving father. How grateful I am for all of his love and support in your life. How well he lived his life as he guided you and your siblings and pointed you all toward our wonderful heavenly father. So exciting to think of him meeting Jesus face to face. But still so sorry for your loss.
Thank you Heidi.
I am sorry for your loss, Debbie. You are fortunate to have had such a wonderful father, and he was blessed to have you for a daughter. He will continue to guide you through your life and will intercede for you as an angel in heaven so the Father will provide continued guidance.
Yes. For that I’m grateful. Thanks Marybeth.
Debbie, it sounds like you were very blessed to have had such a wonderful father. I feel like I was blessed in the same way. As I mentioned last week I was blessed to have been with my dad the week before he passed unexpectedly and I cherish that holiday to this day. I didn’t know your father but I think I DO know him very well thru you. My heart goes out to you and your family but you (and I) are guided by his (my father’s) grace …. always.
Love Juliana
Thank you Juliana.
Your blog entry really touched home with me – my daddy was very similar to yours. He was a strict disciplinarian while I was growing up, and kind of scary. In later years he found the Lord and became such a loving presence in my life. He’s been gone ten years but there is seldom a day goes by without thinking of him – his wit, wisdom, humor and love. I predict the same will be true for you. My love is with you as you grieve.
Sheila
Thank you Sheila.
Beautiful, Debbie. Thinking of you and all the Roeshots at this incredibly sad time. He was such an affable and kind man.
Thank you Robin.