New Dancing Shoes

He was a strong man who found joy in lots of things.  He loved hunting, joking around, watching football, farming, business ventures, his family, and his church.  People loved him for who he was and what he stood for.  He truly was an image of strength and hope.

Today he is laying in a bed, gaunt, with a fraction of the strength he once had.  He is fighting for his life.  Extremities swollen, he struggles for breath.  With every ounce of energy, he opens his eyes ever so slightly.  It is not apparent that he recognizes the people or anything going on around him.  He's always been a fighter but there's only so much a body can take.  A battle with Parkinson's has claimed several years of his life.  And, his recent fall has caused him much trauma.  His immediate family said that it's only a matter of time.

He isn't a close relative. He is my mom's cousin.  But, he holds a dear spot in my heart.  Maybe it's because when I was a child he was happy to see me.  He truly cared about my comings and goings.  He played with me- and isn't that what any child wants?

Watching him fight to do what we take for granted (breathing) brought tears to my eyes.  Silently, I sat and cried without sound, holding his hand.  His daughter looked at us and said, "He's getting a new pair of dancing shoes."  It's so true!  He's given his life to God and asked Jesus to be in control.  He's asked for forgiveness....that's all he needed to do.   Now this man, who is a shell of his former self, is waiting for his appointed time his time to reach Heaven. That's when he'll get his new dancing shoes.

We love you and will miss you when you go.  But, we know that you will be dancing in Heaven waiting for all those who are to follow.  xoxoxoxxoxox!