http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsQD7rSTnxM
My husband’s father died Friday after a brief illness. We had said our goodbyes last week – he heard how we loved him and the impact he had made on our lives and our gratitude for his life of love, faith, honesty, hard work. He truly lived with abandon and embraced life and its stages and seasons. It was an honor knowing him and being married to his son, who is so very like him.
A few weeks ago I wrote several posts about death and hope. These relate to that post:
Permalink: http://kanzensakura.com/2014/01/18/ashes-to-ashes-hope/ and Permalink: http://kanzensakura.com/2014/02/07/the-samurai-an…the-art-of-war
I wrote about the things we leave behind that are so important: our love, joy, patience, respect. The video for this posting is My Lifesong by Casting Crowns. it is how I feel about my life and ultimately, my death. It is a good song for my father-in-law. I hope this touches you in a way that gives you peace and hope and about living your life. He touched so many peoples’ lives in so many positive ways. What a legacy! He left behind a wealth of unconditional love, unquestioning charity, kindness, humor, love of family, country, and God.
Embrace life. Live life with abandon. Leave behind some of the happiness you bring to the table of life. God bless you all.
kanzen sakura 
Feb 23, 2014 @ 21:26:28
It hurts, I know, I had two people whom I loved dearly die last year. But it was good to know them while they were alive, and it feels good to know where they are going, and that you will meet them there. God bless you.
Feb 24, 2014 @ 08:48:41
Thank you. It does hurt and will hurt for awhile. But we do have the comfort of knowing we will see them again, someday. I lost three dear to me last year and now, before March, two more. But we move along and honor those by living our lives in love. I often tell people, I try to be the person my cat thinks I am. Sometimes, I get it right. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:26:28 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Feb 23, 2014 @ 21:33:51
may he continue brightly
in your heart & compassionate actions
Feb 24, 2014 @ 08:46:24
Lovely! thank you so very much.
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:33:54 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Feb 23, 2014 @ 21:55:57
Love and prayers to you and yours.
Feb 24, 2014 @ 08:46:00
Again, thank you for your prayers and love.
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:55:58 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Feb 24, 2014 @ 00:44:56
This is so beautiful! I hope and pray we will all live our lives like that, leaving behind happiness in our mist, a silvery trace of hope. I always think about this when I see planes flying high above in the backdrop of a sunset sky.
Feb 24, 2014 @ 08:44:58
Thank you for that lovely thought. Indeed, death sets our soul free to race towards heaven, just as the plane races against the sky.
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 05:44:58 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Feb 24, 2014 @ 01:12:01
Very true dear friend! I am very sorry for your loss. We are all alive, but so few of us really live. A quote I found! God bless you!
Feb 24, 2014 @ 08:43:58
Indeed. I often think of that quote and it is a good one! Thank you very much.
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 06:12:02 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Feb 24, 2014 @ 06:10:36
Thinking about you from far away. Persevere.
Feb 24, 2014 @ 08:43:12
We will. Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and encouragement.
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 11:10:39 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Feb 24, 2014 @ 08:48:17
Those we love are never truly gone as we carry them in our hearts forever.
I am sorry for your lose.
Feb 24, 2014 @ 10:03:20
That is so very true! Thank you so much for that reminder.
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 13:48:18 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Feb 24, 2014 @ 14:10:14
😉
Feb 24, 2014 @ 20:50:31
A lovely homage to your father-in-law. It’s never easy and I’m sorry for your loss. Holding you in my heart. Love, Paulette
Feb 26, 2014 @ 19:07:50
Thank you for you kindness.
Mar 01, 2014 @ 17:35:32
Oh, my friend, my heart and prayers go out to you, your husband and your family. I am sorry for your loss, but reciognize that the gifts he embodied and shared live on, including through your love and shining soul. Hugs….
Mar 01, 2014 @ 20:13:50
Thank you. His most valued treasurer were his family, faith, and friends. One of the most giving people I know.
Mar 04, 2014 @ 17:20:24
I am sorry to hear this. Even though I know you were expecting this it is still never easy. Hugs and blessings….
Mar 04, 2014 @ 19:28:13
Thank you for these very kind thoughts. He was a good and giving man of faith.
Mar 08, 2014 @ 10:09:33
Beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing your pain, your love, and your wisdom.
Mar 08, 2014 @ 10:18:07
Thank you for your kind words. PS, I love that “tiger” with the glasses gravatar. It always makes me smile. Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 15:09:34 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 08, 2014 @ 18:00:20
I’m so glad!
Mar 08, 2014 @ 16:30:01
Such a sweet tribute! You are truly blessed. Life has its seasons. Knowing and being rooted in the life and love of Jesus makes each season ahead less fearfull and the partings not a devestating goodbye but rather a promise of sweet reunion. We sorrow or but not without hope!
Mar 08, 2014 @ 18:14:18
That is so very correct. A week before he died, when he was so very weak, he let us know Jesus had been to see him and that he was ready and would see us in heaven. I am glad his sons got to hear this and to let him know how much they loved him and what a good father he was. It truly is a blessing. Whether I die or our Lord comes first, I am truly blessed that my family members who have died are in heaven. Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 21:30:04 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 24, 2014 @ 09:06:00
You’ve met his spirit and danced inside his soul. His memory , well eugolized with your words are fused to your spirit and soul as both yours and his live in immortality.
Mar 24, 2014 @ 10:33:31
Thank you He was a kind and generous man whose true treasures were his faith, family, friends, and the garden he tended so lovingly Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 13:06:00 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Apr 22, 2014 @ 17:50:33
Dearest Kanzen, I have only just read this today, a month late. I am sorry to hear of your father-in-law’s passing, so glad to read of his ongoing gift to you and yours and us. Your song made my heart sing and expresses exactly what I hope will be said on my passing. Gracious heart, Kanzen. Love Huntie
Apr 22, 2014 @ 19:17:45
Thank you Huntie, dear heart. I want this to be said at my passing as well….and that I was a kick butt cook!