This has been a rather tough week with my dad passing on. All sorts of emotions well up and the questions outweigh the answers. It has also been rather stressful looking for documents, making phone calls, and arranging all of the details. Thank you all for the kind and encouraging words and comments this week.
One of the toughest things has been the advent of the Christmas season. My dad loved Christmas. He loved to give gifts to the grand kids and watch them open them. My dad was an artist by profession. When my sister and I were little he would wrap our packages with brown wrapping paper, draw pictures on them and write our names in large calligraphy. This always made Christmas special. This will be our First Christmas without him.
As we were planning Dad’s memorial service we tried to figure out a way to celebrate who he was. I happened to see a flyer at church about a program called “Operation Christmas Child” which is a ministry to children around the world sponsored by the Billy Graham organization. Once I saw the pictures I realized it was a perfect way to continue his legacy.
The idea of the program is to fill a shoebox with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and non-perishable candy and the Samaritans Purse ministry will distribute them as a Christmas presents to children who are in need.
We will be celebrating my dad’s life in a memorial service next Tuesday. We have put out the word to friends and family for them to bring a shoebox for a child instead of flowers or other gifts.
I know he will be smiling down from heaven when he sees all the boxes at the front of his service and know they will give children around the world a Christmas like he used to give us.
If you would like to give your own shoebox of love to a needy child you can find details here.
