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Temporary Goodbyes

August 20, 2019 By Tamera Alexander

Dad’s safely Home!

You might have already read this on Facebook or Instagram, but if not. . .

Last Monday morning, my sweet father breathed his last earthly breath and is now in the glorious presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This first pic is from about a month ago at dinner one night. Then me and Dad in December 1984 just before I walked down the aisle. And finally, me and Dad in August 1961 as our journey together just began. Thank you, Lord God, for making this man my Dad. #Jesusintheflesh

We were gathered around Dad’s bedside as he passed from this world to the next, and it was a sweet and peaceful passing. The presence of the Holy Spirit was thick in the room as was the undeniable sense of Jesus’ eternal victory over death. I stood in awe even as tears fell.

I’m so incredibly grateful for the gift of being present when both of my parents passed from this life to the next. First in 2009 with Mom, and then last Monday—almost 10 years later to the day—with Dad.

This pic is one of the last photos of Mom and Dad (from a family cruise we took together in June 2009, only weeks before Mom passed from gallbladder cancer).

Bless you all for traveling this road of dementia with me, with us, and for sharing your stories, and for praying for my Dad, Doug, so often. You’re faithful friends, and I’m forever grateful.

As you’re reading this, I’m on the road with my family headed back to Atlanta for Dad’s funeral tomorrow. I’m delivering a eulogy and so is my brother. We miss our precious Dad so much. But in the same breath, we’re praising God that he’s no longer struggling with a failing mind and body, and that he’s safe—and whole—in the arms of Jesus! And that he’s with Mom again too. I can well imagine that reunion!

If the Holy Spirit brings us to mind tomorrow, I’d so appreciate your prayers for me and my family as we celebrate a godly man’s life, and formally say a temporary goodbye—thanks to what Jesus did on the cross.

Much love, friends,

Tammy

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Tamera Alexander

Novelist at Novelist
Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist and one of today's most beloved authors of inspirational historical romance and women’s contemporary fiction. While being Gram Tam is her current favorite role, she’ll never turn down a stroll through an old cemetery or browsing through antique shops.
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Comments

  1. Dani says

    August 20, 2019 at 4:54 am

    Oh, Tammy. My love goes out to you <3

  2. Deborah Raney says

    August 20, 2019 at 5:13 am

    You know I’ll be praying, dear friend, and have been for a long time. You honored your dad so well and your relationship with him is a beautiful picture of what ours with our heavenly Father should be. Keeping you close in prayer and hoping that your dad’s memorial service will be a testimony to all who attend.

  3. Mocha with Linda says

    August 20, 2019 at 6:15 am

    I’ve had you on my mind so much this past week and the months before his homegoing. Praying that tomorrow will be a sweet and tender time as you and your family remember your sweet dad and rejoice in God’s promise of eternal life. Love you! <3

  4. Kay Garrett says

    August 20, 2019 at 6:29 am

    I”m so sorry for your loss, but happy for your Dad’s homecoming. My Mom had Alzheimer so I can understand some of the struggles you have had and the finally acceptance in their passing as well as the happiness of knowing they struggle and suffer no more. God bless you and your family in the coming first in the next year and beyond.

  5. Lori Smanski says

    August 20, 2019 at 6:38 am

    I am so sorry. But yes you are right it is temporary. Prayers

  6. Suzanne Sellner says

    August 20, 2019 at 6:40 am

    Thank you for your sweet sharing about your dad. What a lovely tribute to him, to you, and to God’s goodness! Love, hugs, and prayers!

  7. Lynn Austin says

    August 20, 2019 at 6:47 am

    Praying for you and your family. May your joy in this wonderful father outweigh your sorrow.

  8. Kathy Johnson says

    August 20, 2019 at 6:54 am

    God is with you! What an amazing fact that we can lean on in times of sadness coupled with joy. Blessings to you as you walk this path and may He fill you with joy in the coming days.

  9. Karen Witemeyer says

    August 20, 2019 at 7:24 am

    Praying for you, Tammy. I know the heartache of losing a father and the hope of seeing him again in heaven. May the good memories you’ve shared dim the pain of saying goodbye. You are loved!

  10. Beverly Calcote says

    August 20, 2019 at 7:47 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. May our Lord and Savior comfort you during this difficult time. Much love to you and your family.

  11. Becky Wade says

    August 20, 2019 at 7:50 am

    “we’re praising God that he’s no longer struggling with a failing mind and body, and that he’s safe—and whole—in the arms of Jesus!” I’m praising God with you, Tammy. My heart is with you and your family.

  12. Betty Strohecker says

    August 20, 2019 at 8:28 am

    Praying for you and your family as you undergo this last journey with your Dad. Special prayers for strength as you deliver a eulogy. Our retired school counselor keeps up with everyone, and as he posts an obituary, he always adds these comforting words, “Safely home.”

    Thinking of you!

  13. Terry cawthon says

    August 20, 2019 at 9:06 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thankful for your wonderful memories and knowing he is in heaven with your mom.

  14. Elizabeth Musser says

    August 20, 2019 at 9:14 am

    Bless you, dear Tamara, as you walk through the dark valley of grief with the bright joy of hope mixed in. Thank you for letting us be a part of your precious journey with your father these past years. Just a temporary goodbye or as we say in French ‘au revoir’–until we meet again.

    Love, Elizabeth

  15. Ellie says

    August 20, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss and the struggle with Dementia you’ve walked with him. I am encouraged by the peace and joy you are portraying. May you feel God’s presence during this difficult time.

  16. Rebecca A Reed says

    August 20, 2019 at 11:48 am

    What beautiful words. Temporary goodbye. Praying as you travel and say that temporary farewell.

  17. Bev Knudsen says

    August 20, 2019 at 1:05 pm

    My sincere condolences on your loss. I will be praying for strength and peace as you say until we meet again!

  18. Sarah says

    August 20, 2019 at 4:35 pm

    I’m praying for you & your family.

  19. Amber Woodward says

    August 20, 2019 at 9:29 pm

    Sending prayers your way. What a beautiful man your father appeared to be. Sorry for you and your family but so much joy for the reunion with his sweet wife. May God bless you!

  20. Wendy Root says

    August 20, 2019 at 10:13 pm

    Thinking of you Tammy with lots of 💕 love~

  21. SHARON A says

    August 20, 2019 at 10:41 pm

    You and your family are being held up in prayer. Such a bittersweet time. I was present with both of my parents passed away. I agree that it is a gift to have been with them in those final moments here on earth.

  22. Joan Arning says

    August 21, 2019 at 5:14 pm

    I appreciate your attitude towards your dad’s earthly death. I know you will miss him but what a reunion we have to look forward to.

  23. Carla says

    August 24, 2019 at 8:36 pm

    “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” What a blessing for you to know with certainty that your Dad is in the presence of the Lord. And what rejoicing he must be doing just to see His Savior’s face!! I know you miss him.

  24. Holly Brewer says

    August 25, 2019 at 1:45 pm

    I am so very sorry for the loss of your father. My mother had dementia at the end. She was 93. May the Lord bless and keep you and your family during this time of grief.

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