Most difficult

Today is the most difficult day. Even though my dad died on Sunday, burying him today somehow makes it seem more permanent.

I thought I would post a few of the words from our family at the time of Dad's passing.

This is what Karey said:

"My dear father-in-law, Ron Sindlinger, has passed into eternity this afternoon at the age of 68 after a very short and intense attack from the evil of cancer. My heart is full and my mind is reeling from witnessing his passing and experiencing the cruelty of death.

Praise be to our God for triumphing over death and taking his soul to be with him in heaven.

My friends, let's live our lives with grace and kindness, loving and giving mercy to one another, with no room for selfishness and unkindness. Life is so short and we have but a whisper of time to touch others and give of ourselves to enrich each other's lives."

This is what Karmyn said:

"Somewhere in Salem tonight, a father and mother and their four grown children sleep and take turns keeping watch. No spouses or any of the 16 grandchildren ended up there tonight. Just 4 kids and mom and dad under one roof, possibly for the last time. God is good all the time. Death is swallowed up in Victory."

This is what Barry said:

"Our dear dad and husband (Ron E. Sindlinger) passed into the arms of our Saviour at 2:41 pm today, Sunday, November 17, 2013. 

His wife and all four of their Children were able to be here for his passing.... We are thankful for so many of our LORD's graces - I would say even remarkable signs - of His faithfulness in these his last days.

We praise God for his grace in keeping Dad faithful and patient through his passing to Glory."

This is what Michael said yesterday on his blog:

"This past weekend, my father-in-law passed away from cancer after having been diagnosed just 2-3 months earlier.  He had always been a healthy man who took good care of his body, yet for some unknown reason, cancer took his life.  His loss will be felt for years to come.

But this is not the first time that cancer has taken a healthy member from our family.  In 2005, my father died of cancer, and the doctors had no explanation as to why he contracted the type of cancer that eventually took his life.  I still feel the loss of his presence after so many years.

Losing a loved one is always difficult, and it raises a multitude of questions.  One question that plagues my thoughts is:  Will life repeat its pattern with me?  Will cancer somehow strike me unexpectedly, and will my sons write of their loss as I do now?  While I may not be able to answer this question, the thought of such an event breaks my heart.

Another aspect of such losses is that my sons are now grandfather-less.  As much as I can ingrain in them what is right and wrong, how best to live life and to dream big, there is something special about the relationship between a grandfather and a grandson.  I recall how my grandfathers used to tell me of the "old times", of the stories of war, and of their wisdom from many years of life.  Now, my sons will miss out on this special aspect of life.

Fortunately, my father-in-law and my father had memories with my two sons, and for the most-part, my sons have memories with their grandfathers.  In knowing that, I take peace that my son's lives were impacted by knowing their grandfathers.

Ron, you will be missed.  Dad, you are missed every day.  And boys, I love you more than words could ever express."

We sure will miss you Dad.