Home...in Heaven

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,

love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Edwin Dale DeJong

December 13, 1945 - September 11, 2010

I remember the day they told me that Dad had cancer. It hit me hard. For about a minute. Then I thought – no big deal, my dad is the strongest man I know, he’ll beat this. I know Mom is upset and scared, but me and Dad know the truth – this wasn’t a big deal, he’d beat it no problem. And he did.

I remember the day we found out it came back. Then I got scared. What would life be like without my Dad? Who would I call for directions when I get lost? I didn’t have kids yet – would he get to know my kids? Dad told me he was going to fight again, and I believed him. He wasn’t giving up, so neither was I. Strongest man I know.

We had so many good times where Dad felt great since his diagnosis. He never felt sorry for himself. Our best times were at the cottage in Pana. He would joke “Pana my neck” but I know he loved it there. He loved it most when we were all there together. He was a family man – he loved his family more than anything and always did whatever he could so we felt loved, secure, safe and protected. I know he was so happy in the last few months to have the entire family together.

When I was in the hospital after having Lucas Dad called me every day. He told me how scared he was that I wasn’t going to make it. He told me he loved me. He told me how strong I was and that he was proud of me. He encouraged and inspired me to get better and use my second chance at life to be the best wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend that I could be. I told him we were both going to get better together. He just smiled.

I guess I really didn’t believe he was dying until a couple of weeks ago. Even then, as I talked to him in his bed he was trying to sit up and talk back to me, proving to me again how strong he was.

I know he was at peace with his fate. Dad was a Christian – there was no doubt where he was going. He accepted that this was God’s will for him. I am happy for him that he is at peace and is Home…in Heaven. I loved him. I am sad for me. I am sad for my family. We sure will miss him. I hope I make him proud.

Love you pops! XOXO