As many of you know we have had a tough year. I attended more funerals than I can count on my fingers, including my Father's. We lost my Dad the morning following Hailey's fourth birthday. When he started having health problems six months earlier I clearly heard God tell me to prepare myself. Well, how can you prepare yourself for such a loss. My Dad was amazing. He loved his family first and foremost, was a smart businessman, and was never afraid to take a risk. He always tried to build you up and give you confidence while being real at the same time. My life has a huge void in it without him. If you ever wounder what he meant to his daughters just look at the names of his three youngest grandsons, Tyler Ranney, Jack Ranney, and Samual Ranney. However, there are many things that I am thankful for about this year. Tyler has grown into a playful toddler, and Hailey had her stage debut. She had her ballet and tap recital in June and stole the show as Squeaky The Mouse in her Theater Club performance in December. And my Mom, Sisters, and I have become even closer through our mutual heartbreak. I am also thankful for the support we received from our Husbands. We could not have dedicated so much time to my Dad without Wil and Todd really stepping up as Dads and Husbands. I am very thankful to know without a doubt that my Father is in Heaven with his son Ranney Jr., our sweet Baby Kate, and our Savior Jesus Christ. In the six months that I was helping to care for my Dad I had the privilege of witnessing to him and having many long talks with him. I have great peace knowing that there was nothing left unsaid between us. I was able to tell him how much I loved him and how proud I was of him, and he was able to tell me the same. I love my Dad and will always miss him. So I am ready to say goodbye to 2009 and am looking forward to the possibilities of 2010.
2 comments:
Jen, that was the the perfect post. I was so glad when you and Todd moved to San Antonio and I know that was God's plan. You and Todd sacrificed a lot to ensure that Dad had the care he needed and wanted and for that I will forever be grateful. I wish I had been able to help you more. I have spend a lot of time trying to figure out how my life will ever feel full again without him. He was my role model and advisor in every aspect of my life and I never worried because I knew he would take care of us. One night when I was sitting with him while he was a life care, he told me that it meant so much to him that we came to sit with him everyday and that Mom and he were so lucky to have daughters like us. I have treasured those moments when it was just the two of us and I got to tell him just how much I loved him. Whenever we are all together I try to focus on the piece of him in each of us, so I won't miss him so bad. Every night I pray that each day will heal our hearts just a little more and that God will reveal to me the plan he has for my life and that someday I will join them both in Heaven.
Lizz,
It has meant so much to me that I had your and Stephanie's support throughout this entire ordeal. You did help out a great deal. I don't know how you did so much with work, the girls, and Sam. I know that you still have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Your doing a great job with everything and I appreciate everything you do for our family. One thing that I saw in Dad, especially during his physical therapy, was that he never gave up. No matter how down he was he kept trying. And that is what we have to do now. So don't give up, and know that your family supports you always. Love ya.
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