For more than 60 years, my father has fought the good fight. He has been a gentleman, a hard-working man, a one-woman man, a family man, a worshiping man, and a self-sacrificing man. Yes, Joseph Anthony Franks III, he has been a man’s man.
For more than a decade, my father has fought the horrid fight. In his seventies, he became acquainted with Alzheimer’s, and it has not been a pretty fight. Long, hard, slow, and devastating has been the road. It is painful to see what this disease has done to my father and mother.
And today, if things progress as forecasted, my father will finish his fight.
However, despite his labored breathing, his withdrawn expression, and the brutal tenderness of the moment, I find myself experiencing peace and sweet comfort. How can this be? I guess it is because I really have faith. I really believe in just a few minutes or hours, my father’s …
- Body will no longer be his prison.
- Soul will be with God.
- Mind will be made whole.
- Struggle with sin will be over.
- Residence will be in paradise.
- Neighbors will all be grand.
- Eyes will see Jesus.
- Joy will be complete.
- Feet will be dancing,
- Holiday will just be beginning.
Friends, I cannot take credit for this response. It is a consequence of my faith, and my faith is the both the gift of God and the fruit of his Spirit. But I have it, and I am thankful that I do not mourn as those without hope.
I will miss him. I have been missing him for years.
I will weep. I am fighting back the tears now.
But truthfully, as I am writing, thinking, praying, and giving thanks, I am smiling as I cry.
Unfathomable Grace 