David, Job, Paul.......... all of these men of faith possessed a remarkable ability to put life into it's proper perspective. Watching dad's life seemingly slip away before our very eyes, I am torn with sadness, yet inexplicable joy at the thought of where he is headed (whether in the next few weeks or years to come). Why is it so easy to allow our limited time here on earth to captivate so much of our attention, when in reality, as royal son's and daughter's of our heavenly Papa, we were created for eternal intimacy. Would God's desire that we live our lives here on earth more abundantly, take on greater meaning, if perhaps we spent more time realizing that our journey down here is simply a fuzzy black and white trailer to the greatest and most EPIC 3D love story ever to grace the silver screen!
GOD YOU ARE SO GOOD!! You allowed our family to have time together over the Christmas Holidays, when we had all scheduled time off. You allowed Diane to spend a good couple of weeks with dad, before returning to NYC. You allowed Deb and I to live 5 minutes from mom and dad, so we can spend a lot of time at their home. You have provided dad with the best medical team a man could ask for. You have surrounded our family with the most amazing group of people who adore dad, and love our family deeply. We are uplifted by the never ending prayers and support from people both locally and globally.We now have incredible on-going 24/7 support from hospice whenever we need it. Yes, in the natural we're climbing Mt. Everest, and yes, we continue to contend and believe that you can heal dad "on this side" of the curtain. Ultimately Papa, we simply agree with what you say about dad. You who sees what we cannot see, who always has our ultimate and eternal best in mind we chose to trust you.
Besides my dad, I would ask that you pray for special endurance for my mom, as she deals 24/7 with the realities of dad's declining condition. There is no easy way to deal with this season of life, and it only heightens our desire to see us all inhabit our Fathers house..
Diane comes home on Thursday night from NYC. While our family have always been close, this season has only strengthened our love for each other. Someone is here every evening to visit with my mom and be a support to her. As a family we have decided to no longer allow visitors to see my dad, as it's simply too taxing on him.
In reviewing this blog, I realize it's more reflective than informational, perhaps I needed the therapy:) Who would have imagined that a businessman (son) would try in some way to fill the 'oversize' pastoral shoes left by this father. I guess life has a way of coming full circle!
So yes Papa, I bless you for an extraordinary father, a man I will miss deeply should you chose to call him home soon.
Your goodness is beyond reproach, and I thank you for giving me your presence & peace.
~ Ray Birch ~
Uncle Alf and Aunt Estelle
ReplyDeleteYou are constantly in our thoughts and our prayers for you join those of so many of your friends and other family.
lots of love
Deon & Berni
Ray,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your updates. You may not be a pastor, and you and I have never met, but in your words I can certianly see that you are your father's son.
Please know that my wife Cara and I are praying for your whole family continually. I would love to see him, but understand the need to not tire him furter. Please do me a favor and give your father a hug from me.
Sincerely,
Brandon Farrell
Echoing Brandon's words, both the affirmation of your inspirational message, and that we are praying for your whole family.
ReplyDeleteMichelle McMillen, who served under Alf for several years on Executive Committee and came to admire him deeply
Ray,
ReplyDeleteThe prayers of many are lifted daily on behalf of you and your wonderful parents, whom we have come to love. This journey is not always how we hope, but because we have hope we know we will ultimately all be together someday soon. Please give both your parents a hug from us.
-Josh, Suzanne, Sam, Emma, McKenna, Sydney, & Jack MacLachlan
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Alf is so fortunate to have such a wonderful family. Love to Estelle and many prayers ascending for Alf's healing
ReplyDeleteKay and Tom
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ReplyDeleteBrandon is right.."you are your father's son..." What a blessing you are to this community of faith and to me personally. As your Dad's mantle wraps softly around your shoulders, have no fear, you will bear it with dignity and humility...you already are. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLou Wildman
Dear Ray
ReplyDeleteFrom hearing about Dad's illness he has constantly been in our prayers every day. I guess we are once again confronted with the frailty of our existence here on earth and it engenders an even greater longing for God's new world. May all the promises you, your family and Dad have read throughout the years, become a living reality for you and may they be a source of encouragement and hope. Please give both Mom and Dad a hug on our behalf.
Be of good cheer- Maranatha !
Fondest, Deon & the Breedt family in South Africa
Dear Ray
ReplyDeleteWe have been following Alf’s journey and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You have written beautiful messages reminding us of the Goodness of God despite what happens. We are certainly in His care – He knows what is best for your Dad, your family and all of us.
We will remember your Mom in a special way. Your Mom and Dad have been very special to our family ever since our association in PE many years ago. We will treasure the many wonderful memories of lives lived to the full, love to God and fellowmen.
We have been emailing your Mom but understand her 24/7 by Alf’s side and giving him the care he needs at this time. No doubt she has passed on these messages to your Dad from us, and others from SPD in my last email. The sentiments expressed by those who knew Alf are the same - a lovely man, influential, beautiful Christian, an inspiration to all, & many more – what a ‘role model’.
Please tell Alf again how much we love him and what he has meant to us. Wish we could be there to tell him ourselves but distance separates us physically, but be assured he is very much in our minds. We too had hoped for a miracle, but God has His timing and we entrust Alf to His care according to His will.
Much love from the Relihan family ‘down under’.
Les & Irene