STEP ONE:  GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO GRIEVE!

STEP TWO:  CRY WHENEVER, WHEREEVER, AND HOWEVER LONG YOU NEED TO!

STEP THREE:  REALIZE THAT THIS IS A PROCESS!!!!!!

My father and I were extremely close.  We could sit in a room together, never say a word, and have the best time ever enjoying each others’ company.  Other times we would go fishing or discuss scriptures for his upcoming sermons.  When I married he gave me away and when my marriage ended, he embraced me and assured me that I would survive.  When I hit those financial unexpected moments, he was there to fill in the blanks.  When I needed a hug, he had a limitless supply.  When I needed someone to pray with and for me, he was ALWAYS willing no matter the hour. . . morning, noon, or night.  Did I say that my father and I were EXTREMELY close?

One Friday morning in June, my father rose early as he usually did and made his way out to the backyard.  He had his trusty flip phone in his homemade phone carrier.  He called me and we had our daily morning prayer.  He counseled with his Pastor about a potential church member, planted three rows of corn which was a welcomed addition to the rows of vegetables that already filled the yard.  According to his schedule, when it was time, he washed up for lunch, and ate it with the love of his life, my mother.  As they sat enjoying each others company and watching a program on the television, my father suddenly became quiet.  My mother turned to see the love of her life  gently sit back, close his eyes, and took his heavenly father’s hand.  My mother called me and all I could hear was, Malinda. . . your father. . . come now.   I did say that my father and I were EXTREMELY CLOSE!!!!

Not only was my father no longer here but my friend, advisor, counselor, buddy, fishing partner, encourager, YOU NAME IT.  He was no longer on this side.  HOW WOULD I MAKE IT THROUGH????

~~~Malinda Gwyn~~~~