Sunday, May 9, 2010

A Day of Sadness and Rejoicing






Today was a big day for two reasons. For about 7 1/2 weeks my dad has been battling a bout of Pancreatitis and all the complications that accompany that illness. After a blessing by the hands of my oldest brother essentially releasing him from obligation to "fight it out", he peacefully passed away at 1:51 am. My brother did not have to make the decision to take him off the various forms of life support. He simply pronounced the blessing that was God's will and within 2 minutes my father had passed. I am so grateful for all the time that I was able to spend with my father. He is a fun, passionate, loving, spontaneous, intelligent man. He is one of those people who, when focused on you, can understand you and make you feel understood. My only regret is that I don't have MORE pictures/memories/time spent with him. It is just like people/the movies always say: death really puts things in perspective. I encourage all who read this to make the most of each and every relationship they have because we truly never know how long we will have with that person. (The pictures above were taken last thanksgiving in San Diego at the Old Ferry Landing in Coronado. It was the last time we saw my father. He and MaryBeth were very helpful and fun on the beach that day.)

We rejoiced in the birth of our son Isaac today as Joe and some dear friends and family blessed him in church. The men you see in the picture are those who helped with the blessing (and our Bishop who is not in the picture). I am so grateful to have such a wonderful support group behind me. It was a beautiful blessing.
Births and deaths are a very basic and essential part to Heavenly Father's plan for us. That knowledge does not take away all sorrow and sadness but it can give us comfort as we go through life and experience loss. I know that I will see my dad again some day, that he will hold me in his giant arms and kiss my face.

18 comments:

Logan & Kelsey Davis said...

Lacy, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for being such a strong and spiritual daughter, wife, mother, and friend. You are an inspiration to me and many others I am sure. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Happy said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. I had been following his condition on your sister Lillie's blog and had said many prayers for him recently and now pray for your family's comfort. It sounds as though he was a good man full of love!

Jayson & Chelsey said...

Oh Lacy, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. How comforting it is for you to have the knowledge of the plan of salvation. Thankyou for sharing..you have such a strong testimony that definitely strengthens me!

Congrats on little Isaac! He's just adorable!!!

The Nielsen Family said...

Lacy, our love and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. I am so sorry about your Dad. Thank you for your post, it has helped me re-evaluate the relationship I have with some of the people closest to me. Love you so much.

Lillie said...

Really great post, sweet sister. Love you so much.

Linz said...

Lacy, I am sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Another Piece Of Chocolate said...

So very sorry for your loss. It is hard even knowing Heavenly Father's plan. My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family.

Michelle Knight said...

Lacy, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Thank you for your sweet reminder to enjoy the time we get to spend with our loved ones.

Lisa said...

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers, you truly had a bittersweet day yesterday.

Janae&DonovanLott said...

Lacy, I am sorry for your loss. My sister just lost her father-in-law and of course wishes he could still be here. It is hard lose loved ones but wonderful to know we will see them again. My prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Oh Lacy- I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I will always have good memories of his bigger than life personality when I was a little girl. Our love and prayer go out to your sweet family!!

Alicia said...

Lacy, Thank you for sharing your sweet words with us, I pray that the days get easier and that you can smile when you think of your dad and the amazing man he is. My heart was softened by your love for your dad. I cried for you just knowing that you were sad during this time. His smile brightens the picture and when he hugs you I can see it in your eyes how much he makes you feel special. Please let me know if you need to cry, talk, or just need a hug. write down all the great memories you have of him while they are fresh in your mind. One day they will mean soooo much to you. I love you girl.

cwitt said...

hey lace, just wanted to let you know that i love you and i look up to you so much!

cwitt said...

hey lace, just wanted to let you know that i love you and i look up to you so much!

The Kay Family said...

I'm so sorry to read this about the loss of your father. And on such a sweet day of celebration for your new baby, too. My thoughts are with you.

Spencer said...

Hey Lacy-
Been thinking of you lots lately. So sorry about your Dad. Love to you and your family.

Love,
Katie

Mark Menatti said...

Lacy, I am so sorry for your loss. My mother passed away unexpectedly a few years ago and even now sometimes the entire experience seems like a bad dream. I wish you all the best.

Mark

teachmama said...

Lacy.
I am just reading this now, and I feel like I could sob. What a tumultuous time for you--sending prayers from Maryland, my friend, and wishing you all well.

amy