It is a rainy, wet day in Narberth, Pennsylvania. But I don't even care. This morning Mr. Horne and I woke up to the baby jabber of William in the crib near our bed. After a morning of cuddling and giggling with the baby then getting ready for church, we drove to Philadelphia where we went to church at Sterling and Sarah's ward.
I am learning to love Fast Sundays. It has taken me 45 years to realize what a blessing fasting can be. Normally I would not announce my fasting focus in a blog, but I think this time it might be appropriate. Each month I pray and fast for all of my children, but this month, I especially prayed for Madi. And for my dad.
Madi has been on my mind a lot lately. She is doing well in school and her health seems to be holding steady but she has been lonely and sad. She has had several relationships with people that have turned out to be less than optimal. I hurt for her because a mother is only as happy as her saddest child. I want her to meet someone who is kind to her and who loves her for who she is. I pray for that as I fast today.
My dad has been on my mind a lot lately too. He is suffering in pain and trapped in a body that cannot reason, move safely or even eat. If I ever wanted someone's soul to be set free, it would be his. His death will only be a beginning in a Spirit World beautiful and pain-free. I know he wants to go. I pray for this to happen. And I fast for that today.
After a beautiful fast and testimony meeting and other fulfilling church meetings, we went home, broke our fast and shared a simple meal with some of Sterling and Sarah's friends in the ward. We played a game and visited. The afternoon bled into evening and before we knew it we were yawning and climbing into bed.
Just as I was dozing off to sleep, my sister Mindi called to tell me that dad had just passed away. She said he did not suffer but just breathed slower and slower and then he took his last breath and was gone. My brother Brian and my mother were with him.
All I could think about was how happy he must be! I could envision him hugging my Grandma and Grandpa Law and his siblings who had passed on before him. I could see him smiling and laughing and radiating with joy and love. I gave a prayer of thanks because on this day, my fasting prayer was answered.
I posted an email before I returned to bed to let the girls know that their Grandpa had died. Then I slept with a heart that was tugging for the loss of a beloved father and a smile that knew exactly where he had gone.
