My sweet Dad passed away this afternoon surrounded by his loved ones: his wife Mardean of 45 years, his children Kristi and her husband Aaron, Becki and her husband Scooter, Jake and his wife Heather, and Jana and her husband Greg. Dad was only 69 years old. He had sustained injuries from a bicycle accident over a week ago that had become insurmountable. Our hope, prayers, and togetherness has perhaps made us a bit stronger and linked us a bit closer to one another over this last, heartaching, week. The feelings of shock, fear, hurt, hope, sorrow, gratitude, and sadness experienced by my family this week has finally surrendered itself to being at peace with God's will.
On a personal note:
Dear Dad,
I love you and miss you already. You were my biking buddy, and my competitor! You taught me to be frugal yet were generous with your time and resources to those in need. On several occasions, we took insulin to ailing individuals. You taught me how to balance my checkbook, be smart with my money, and not to waste anything--to a fault. I enjoyed debating with you, though, usually for the same side. Like you, I appreciate education, a good card game, and exploring the United States. You taught me to stand up for myself but also when to give in. I understand you well because I am a lot like you. Your passion and your sense of humor, with a secret twinkle in your eye, I understand. You allowed me to make my own decisions but I learned to value your opinion. Even when you had the right to complain, you didn't. You taught me not to feel sorry for myself. You were down to earth, reasonable, warm, and willing to admit imperfection. The last day I saw you before your accident, you were able to perform the most of fatherly duties in giving me a blessing. Thank you. Dad, you loved me and I have only wanted to make you proud.
Love Jana
The family would like to thank all of who offered their help and support throughout this difficult week. We would not have been able to cope as well without all your compassion, kind comments, delicious meals provided, and help watching over our children. Many have also helped to put us kids' minds at ease for the sake of my mom. We know she is in good hands.
Thank you!
We will plan to post my dad's obituary here, if you wouldn't mind checking back later....
We are so sorry for your loss!
ReplyDeleteThe Barron Family
We are so sorry to hear this news. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteOur week is pretty open, so let us know if you need help with Nash.
Bates Family
I am so sorry. We are always here for you. We love you. Potter Family
ReplyDeleteThis post is written so beautifully Jana. I have been thinking of your family non-stop this week, and especially today. My heart hurts so much for you all! I'm so glad you had that last experience with your Dad before his accident.
ReplyDeleteLots and lots of love,
Jeanette.
Beautiful words. I too am heartbroken for you and your family. He will be missed by many who love him. Even though we don't all see one another often, I didn't need to to know what a great man my uncle always has been. He has graciously stepped up in times of need for his family members, especially grandma and grandpa. For that and so many other reasons he will always hold a place in my Heart. I love you and your family. I've been praying for you all. I hope you have some peace and comfort in the upcoming difficult days ahead.
ReplyDeletePlease know I'm here in any way I'm needed.
Mardean we are so sorry for your loss. We love you and Craig so much and we want you to know how much you both have meant to our family. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for all of you and for the loss of Uncle Craig, who was such a kind and gracious person. Even though I didn't see him often--especially over the last few years--whenever I did see him, he'd make a point to ask how things were going for me, and I always enjoyed chatting with him. I appreciated his quiet and unexpected sense of humor--he made me laugh many times with his dry quips and observations. I'm also so grateful for his giving nature and for everything he did for Grandma and Grandpa. He was good to the core.
ReplyDeleteI love you all so much. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Andrea
Our hearts ache for your family. We can't begin to imagine how difficult this must be. We pray that the Comforter can be with you, stronger than ever. You are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Dave, Sarah, Timothy, and Anna Bella Petersen
I was saddened to hear of Craig's accident and passing. Although I've only seen Craig now and then over the past several years, I always enjoyed talking to him and joking around. He was a great person. Throughout the week as we fasted and prayed for him, a sense of peace accompanied all the prayers. I know that this is tremendously difficult, but I pray that the peace of God will be with you all. Our prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you,
Matt and Sarah Harding
Heartfelt and gentle hugs for all!
ReplyDeleteWe have loved Craig's come and gentle personality. He will be greatly missed. We are here for you in whatever you may need.
ReplyDeleteThe Ouimette Family
Sorry not come, I meant calm.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a sad week for me, I didn't get to see Uncle Craig that much, but he was always kind and interested in what was going on in my life, and I was sorry to hear that he had passed on. My grand niece of 20 months old, died the day before Uncle Craig, and has also devastated me. But like you, I can be at peace with these things because of my testimony of the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ . And the knowledge that these things happen for our good to teach us unconditional Christlike love. The greater our sorrow, the greater our joy can be when we are resurrected and reunited with those we love.
ReplyDeleteMay the spirit continue to comfort you in your sorrow.