Finishing Well

This morning, in the first hours of a new day, Pop finished his earthly journey, and strolled onto heaven's golden streets.  We noticed late last evening that his breathing was becoming shallow, so we gathered around his bed in prayer.  As we sat there holding Pop's hands, we wept.  The tears weren't simply tears of sorrow, but were also tears of joy.  The time of pain, suffering, anguish, and sorrow are no more for Pop, and he has been restored.  Sitting in the quiet morning hours, waiting for Hospice and the funeral home to arrive, we simply sat with one another and held hands praying.  Tears dripped onto Pop's covers as we were honest with God in our pain; but smiles overcame the tears as we thanked Him for allowing Pop to be such an influential part of our lives.  We told our fondest memories of Pop, and with quivering lips, recalled the multitude of stories that he brought to us.  Pop has meant the world to us, and always will.
I remember when I was 6 years-old, living in Georgia, and Pop registered me for the county "fun-run".  This run was a 1 mile course for people of all ages, and Pop was excited to run it together.  I had never done any distance running before (not that 1 mile is any great distance), so I didn't know how to pace myself.  Naturally, I wanted to run as fast as I possibly could.  Pop casually ran along-side of me with a grin on his face, and kept saying, "Slow down a bit. You're doing great, but you need to pace yourself."  As we neared the ending gate, I was breathing heavily and just wanting to be done. Ten yards from the start/finish line, I stopped running, and started walking.  Pop turned around surprised.  "Keep going bud.  Keep running," he encouraged from the other side of the timing gate.  I lightly jogged across the finish line.  Pop strolled back to meet me, and gently placed his hand on my shoulder.  A smile came across his face, and in a calm voice he said, "You always run through the finish line bud.  It is good to run a race strong, but you always want to finish well."  Pop taught us how to finish well.  He ran, and fought, for as long as the Lord gave him strength; and when it was time for him to finish the race, he ended well.

A song that has meant a great deal to our family:
Chris Tomlin - My Chains are Gone

As details come together for a celebration of Pop's life, we will post them here.  Thank you all for the outpouring of love that we have felt as we walk this journey.  Your love and support has been a blessing beyond words.  Thank you!