One year ago today, May 1, 2007, my life forever changed. I woke up thinking it was going to be a normal day. It was 7:15am and I was making my bed (which is odd because no one was coming over) when my phone rang. I answered the phone and it was my Mom. I figured she was calling me as she was on her way to work which she normally would do. My mother, who never freaks out and always remains calm in every situation, said with panic in her voice, “Kelli, you need to come to the hospital now, they are trying to revive Daddy.” My heart stopped and I let out a shrill scream. Bill came running in and took the phone from me. I knew he was gone. I hadn’t been told that yet but I knew in my heart he was. I was panicking trying to get clothes on the kids so we could take them to a friend’s house. We picked up my sister who lived down the street at the time and rushed to drop the kids off and get to the hospital. It was the middle of morning rush hour so it took us over an hour and a half to get there. I kept calling my Mom as we were in traffic and she just kept saying “they’re still working on him, this isn’t good, this isn’t good.” I knew she was trying to wait until we got to the hospital to tell us but I finally had to ask the hardest question, “is Daddy gone?” She broke down and said yes. Thankfully, my Mom was surrounded by the doctors that she works for and my aunts, uncles and cousins as we were trying desperately to get there. We were all in shock. My very healthy 65 year old Dad had been fine one minute and he was all of the sudden gone? It was too much for my heart to bear. It was ripped into 5 million pieces.

Some people wonder why we would be so sad since we know he is in Heaven. My Dad was an amazing Christian man and we have no doubt that he is sitting at His father’s feet worshiping. We are sad, I guess in a selfish way, because of the enjoyment, encouragement, wisdom, fun and love he shared with us on earth that we can no longer experience. I don’t want to memorialize what happened on May 1st, although I think it is therapeutic for me to share. I want you to know who my Dad was and how special he was to so many people.

My Dad was always there for me and our family. Many people say that about their parents but he really was. My entire childhood he would take me, my sister and my Mom anywhere we would want to go. . . shopping, sight-seeing, to the symphony, on vacation, out to eat and the list goes on. He was at any and every activity I was ever a part of cheering me on. He always told me I was beautiful and loved (even when I was really ugly). But, above all of these things, he tried so hard every day to be a Godly husband and father. He knew what the scriptures said because he studied them every day. He wanted so much to be like Jesus. He was not perfect, but none of us are. If he made a mistake he was humble enough to come ask for our forgiveness. He was always, always praying for us. He was such an example to me and so many other people. He was bold and would talk about Jesus to anyone. But he did it in such a way that was never offensive. I could go on and on about my Dad. I am more than blessed to have had him for 29 years. I know some people only wish their father would care about them. I know when he arrived in Heaven he was welcomed with open arms and Jesus said, “Well done.” I will forever have a hole in my heart until I see my Dad again in Heaven some day. We miss him more than words can express. Please remember my Mom and our family in your prayers today.

I promise I will try and go back to being light-hearted next time, but I had to share my Dad with you today. Below is a poem I found a few months after my Dad passed away that I have framed in my house with his picture.

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone;

for part of us went with you the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,

and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,

but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

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