Thursday, September 2, 2010

Death is a New Beginning

This is my almost 90 year old dad. He is an amazing man. Today my mom died, and I know she is now at peace. My mom and dad had been married 68 years, and today my dad lost his sweetheart whom he loved so much. My dad has such strength and sat by my mom's side every day since she was in the hospital (my mom had pancreatic and liver cancer) and then when she was in the nursing home. He has such faith in the Lord and he, as are all of us, grateful that our Heavenly Father answered our prayers in a positive way and let my mom go peacefully. It is what my dad wanted for my mom, although he is going to miss her every day.

My mom and dad met in the church they both attended. Dad was the organist and choir director, and my mom sang in the choir. My mom had such a beautiful voice, and she sang in the choir until July of this year when her health started to fail.

Because of my parents music has been a big part of my life. My dad's piano playing has always fascinated me from the time I was little even until today. It just flows out of his hands.

So, meet my dad. And to my children, here are some surprises for you that I took on my visit last week with Grandpa. I know you will treasure them as will I. I only wish I had video of Grandma that I could post on here, too. But, I am sure now that she is singing in the Heavenly Choir happily welcomed in for the beginning of her journey in her heavenly home.

A Little Bit of "Oh When the Saints"

What a Friend We Have in Jesus



My dad playing the piano for my nephew's
son Matthew


And one more song


So for my great children, I hope you enjoyed this little time with your Grandpa. I wish so much that Grandma was there singing so you could hear her beautiful voice, but her voice will always be in my heart when I hear certain songs she loved to sing: "Climb Every Mountain" (the last mountain was the hardest for her), "The Lord's Prayer" that always sounded like she was singing to the angels, and "O Holy Night" a song that I will never forget because my mom sang it at their church every Christmas Eve.

I love you mom and I am so grateful for our last hug, our last kiss good-bye, and our special good-bye when I blew you a kiss and you caught it. Hold onto that kiss, for one day you can give it back to me when someday, because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we will be together again and we will be joined in one big hug as we are together in our Forever Family Circle.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your dad is so talented!!! That is amazing!! And know that you and your family are being thought about and prayed for. Love you!

Unknown said...

i'm so sorry about your mom-----i dont think it matters how old we get---they are still our mom... what a blessing we have to know that it is but for a short time (hopefully a LONG short time)---and then you will be together.

G.G. Vandagriff said...

Rondi, please accept my sincerest condolences. Death is always hard, no matter what the circumstances, but you're right. The Gospel gives us new perspective, and now she won't feel old or sick anymore. In Alma we learn that as soon as we die we have a reunion with the Savior.

Love and thoughts with you.

Thereasa said...

Rondi, when I heard that you got to go up and visit with you mom - it made me so happy for you. If it were me - I would have needed that visit with my mom - even in the while of her being so very sick.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.

I loved watching the video's of your father. I agree with Natalie - your dad is talented!!
Love, Thereasa

Maren said...

Isabella got the biggest smile on when she heard the piano playing. It was amazing. She was crying and fussing and then I played that and she stopped! The love of music carries on!