It is with greatest sorrow that I share the news that the day after we moved here to Cape Cod, my beloved Dad died suddenly, quickly, peacefully.
We are crushed. Tim and I were so looking forward to this season of doing life with him and my mom. But even in the midst of the shock and the whirlwind of decisions and phone calls and planning is that ever-present peace that passes understanding.
God knows. He loves us so. He cares. He cradles us close. He bears our grief, he carries our sorrows.
I share with you a tribute I wrote to Dad two years ago. And the obituary and memorial service arrangements are below.
Please, my friends, pray for our family.
* * *
June 2013 ...
I hold you close and stretch my arm way out, camera in hand. We're still making memories whenever we can. And I want to capture this celebration before we dive into great huge bowls of chocolate ice cream on the most gorgeous Cape Cod day ever. Before we laugh the sunny afternoon away as we fill the newly painted window boxes with multi-hued petunias and patch the driveway and cut the rhubarb. Before we sit and watch the birds explore the bird house and someone who shall remain nameless tracks driveway tar onto the light aqua carpeting. Before the evening falls and the breeze cools and we watch TV at ear-piercing levels and talk politics and books and you share ancient photos and vividly-detailed stories from Scotland in the century past.
We all know you never expected to hit this milestone. Ah ... but God had other plans, and here you are, moving around on your own two feet and in your right mind. Wisdom still comes from your heart and your vast life experience. You still break into hearty song on a moment's notice ... and I realize in the writing of this that my sister and I do the same. For the nuts didn't fall far from the tree, did they ...
You still prize hard work and an eye to detail, even though you might be moving just a tad slower. Your eyes are quick to fill at the most sensitive of moments. You make us laugh ... and yes, we both continue to make each other crazy from time to time.
And when you confidently pound on heaven's doors in perfect King James English, I know our Redeemer listens. You have shown us how to be faithful to Him and to each other.
Please know I value your wise counsel more than ever. And I know I'm not the only one. So please rejoice in this season because your legacy is living on, even as we speak. Through your children. Children's children. And children's children's children.
How good is God!
I love you, Daddy ~
JOHN HALLIDAY BLACKIE
1928 - 2015
Love you Grandpa!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you Linda. It is good to know he is with Jesus and you will see him again. My mom died in 2004 and I look forward to that reunion.
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching tribute. We are all honored and blessed to have known him. Whether related by blood and/or the bonds of Christ, our lives have been impacted positively through his example and life well lived.
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Linda. Praying for your family as you remember and huddle together for comfort. May God wrap Himself around each of you with His love.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, Linda. Your dad was two years older than mine. Praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeletePrayers up. I am so, so so very sorry.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your father and you are his living legacy of which I know he was very proud. Praying your sweet memories serve to comfort you and yours in the difficult days to come.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am so sorry that your dad passed. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is sad for you tonight. Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you in sympathy. Prayers for peace and strength. The pic of 2 little girls and their daddy by the ocean is precious. Let that memory bring a hug to your soul when you need it.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, my heart breaks for you and with you. I'm so sorry. The tribute you wrote about your dad is beautiful, and I so love those photos you took with him. You will be in my prayers in the coming days and weeks.
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda...God brought you to mind yesterday and I wondered how you were...I'm so sorry for your sudden loss...Thank you for sharing the heartfelt and beautiful tribute you wrote for your beloved dad...I will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time...((hugs))
ReplyDeleteLove you, Linda. He's in his Father's arms...and so are you. Always.
ReplyDeleteHolding you in my heart,
A
I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God's presence.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Linda and have been praying for you. :( There is a reason you moved righ before it happened, and maybe it is to be with your Mom.
ReplyDeleteI will keep praying for peace for your family.
Prayers for comfort and peace. Such beautiful words you have written about your Dad and his legacy.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a Faith immersed legacy! Your Dad and Mom produced such a wonderful person in you, Linda. I can see where you strengths as a leader and counselor comes from. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. Sending our love.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I've been offline a lot lately and am just now trying to catch up a little. Your tribute to him is absolutely beautiful. How wonderful he was able to know how much love and respect you had for him. Praying for your entire family, my friend. Much love to you all!
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