“I’ve walked with God my whole life, I’m ready to go be with Him.”
These were the words my father spoke when the oncologist asked Dad if he knew what he was facing.
Three days later, my father passed on into the presence of the Lord. It seemed to go so fast for us, his loved ones. Dad died on February 10th and at Christmas, just two months before, he had been his vigorous self. He was turning wooden bowls, playing ping-pong, checking his plants in the hallway sunroom.
He was 91.
Dad walked with God.
I miss him most when I walk around our yard now. His handiwork is everywhere. The calla lilies Dad planted are blooming in their pure white glory. The butterfly weeds he started from seeds have spread and are full of orange tipped butterflies, just like the blooms.
“Gayle, you have to come see this.”
“Dad, you’ve got to come see THIS!”
“We must go get your Mother.”
These were the conversations we would have beginning in spring and continuing until a hard frost. We would walk around the yard, weed, deadhead, and glory in the beauty and handiwork of God’s creation.
Dad and Mom would count the number of different kinds of flowers in bloom at one time. He so enjoyed the variety and unique qualities of the various species.
I miss Dad.
Yet, I am left with wonderful memories and so many beautiful plants.
My father also left me with His greatest influence on my life – his love for his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Dad quietly, yet openly, lived as a Christian.
He loved God.
He loved his family.
He loved others.
He loved God’s creation and was a steward of all living things.
As I tend the flowers, I am reminded of the lessons Dad taught me about life – botanic life, and more importantly, life everlasting.
I am my father’s daughter and I am so blessed that Dad led me to follow Jesus, just as he did.
May we leave this same legacy for our children and grandchildren.
Our Father's Daughters 
Another beautiful story Gayle , thank you. Gardening has a special place in my heart. I my not be really good, I love watching everything come to life in the Spring. Gods beautiful mountains make the background the best!
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Thank you, Cathy. I am blessed.
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Amen! On Jun 18, 2016 7:58 AM, “Our Fathers Daughters” wrote:
> Our Father’s Daughters posted: ” “I’ve walked with God my whole life, I’m > ready to go be with Him.” These were the words my father spoke when the > oncologist asked Dad if he knew what he was facing. Three days later, my > father passed on into the presence of the Lord. It seemed t” >
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Yes, Janice, we are blessed!
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Beautiful tribute to your dad. Blessing to you and your beautiful family. Love, Vicki
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Thank you, Vickie. Blessings to you as well!
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This is a beautiful tribute to your father! Probably my favorite!
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you, Alice Marie. Blessings to you.
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He was a kind and gentle man that I saw many times but never really got to know. One thing I do know, however, is you’ve got your father’s eyes, dear one.
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Thank you, Tim. I was thinking about Amy Grant’s song, “My Father’s Eyes” and I teared up. I was blessed, as your children are. Happy Father’s Day!
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Gayle – a wonderful tribute to the beautiful and lasting legacy your dad left you….loving the Lord as he did as well as such an appreciation of His creation. We are blessed with many plants and flowers from your folks’ home and they will always make me smile in remembrance of them. Love you! Anne-Marie
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Yes, and I have plants from you! The legacy lives on, God is faithful.
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I’m so proud, and even prouder now, after reading this post, to have plants from your yard! I will email this week! A special day for memories.
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It is fun to give and receive plants from each other. It creates lasting memories, doesn’t it? Blessings too you, Nancy.
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You have a heritage garden! What a blessing for you.. And your heritage of faith is such a beautiful and living thing. Thank you Gayle..
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Thank you. Yes, it is a lasting legacy, isn’t it. Blessings to you, Pam.
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Oh Gayle what a lovely and loving tribute to your Dad. It brought tears to my eyes. You are indeed blessed my dear friend. Love you!
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