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Thursday, September 10, 2015
Saturday, September 5, 2015
From Earth to Glory
Our summer took an unexpected turn in mid-June when my dad’s health started declining dramatically enough that he needed to go into healthcare. I went up to Indiana to help my brother and sister in that process of getting him moved into Grace Village right across the road from his home. The transition was full of difficulties, including unforeseen complications with qualifying for medicaid, but God provided and sustained us through it all.
An unforgettable blessing of this timing was being able to spend Father’s Day with my dad -- along with Ronnie and Diane -- the first in many years.
After 10 days he was adjusting and enjoying being with many longtime friends. The whole time with him was precious. Even though he was struggling with memory and confusion, he still joked with us and the medical staff, sang along with the hymns in chapel, and there was never the slightest bit of confusion when he prayed. Leaving him was difficult, but anticipation of a previously scheduled return only three weeks later helped ease the sadness of that goodbye.
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| Don Ogden "Prof" 1926-2015 |
Then just 4 days after my return home I got an early morning call that Daddy had died. A heart attack was the diagnosis. So after a week at home I headed back up for all the family activities and business affairs, which kind of seems like a blur! Jim and Jami came before the memorial service on July 11 and we all flew back home together.
Again, we saw God’s hand in it all. Even though in the suddenness of the unexpected moment none of the family were there with him to hold his hand when he passed as we would have wanted, God had provided that amazing time of closure -- saying a meaningful goodbye, even though I didn't know at the time that's what it was.
The memorial service was absolutely everything we could have hoped for with the music, the tributes, the fabulous meal provided for over 100 family members. The friends who gathered around in person or in spirit helped make it bearable. We were so blessed by the outpouring of love for our dad and appreciation for his life and impact on people. And all to the glory of God.
One of my Dad's favorite hymns: ARISE, MY SOUL, ARISE Charles Wesley
Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears
Before the throne my surety stands
Before the throne my surety stands
My name is written on His hands
He ever lives above for me to intercede
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race
His blood atoned for all our race
And sprinkles now the throne of grace
Five bleeding wounds He bears received on Calvary
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
Forgive him, O forgive, they cry
Forgive him, O forgive, they cry
Nor let that ransomed sinner die
The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One
He cannot turn away the presence of His son
His Spirit answers to the blood
His Spirit answers to the blood
And tells me I am born of God
To God I'm reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear
With confidence I now draw nigh
With confidence I now draw nigh
And Father, Abba Father, cry
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