all about the light
One of the hardest decisions we had to make on May 23rd, when Dad passed away, was whether to allow two pieces of Dad's eyes to be donated. Yet it was also a clear decision; we all knew Dad would say, "Hand 'em over, I don't need 'em anymore!" And so we agreed.
This week, we received a letter from the donation organization that spoke of how Dad's gift has changed lives. Because of his donation, there are two people who have been able to regain their vision. We can hardly think of anything more bittersweet and beautiful.
How appropriate that the man whose life's mantra was "It's all about the Light" should be the means bringing literal light to two people who had been in darkness.
How beautiful that in a way Dad's artistic eye, his love to gaze into creation, is preserved in the eyes of other human beings; what a gift they've received.
Dad brought so much light through his unending humor, humble confidence, and genuine care.
But he also sought the true Light - Jesus, who brings the only eternal hope, the only real light.
I've thought of these verses from the book of John many times; they're referring to John the Baptist, but it seems like my Dad, John, just fits right in there too.
Dad, you bore witness to the Light. I have seen the Heavenly Father through you. You gave me so much; it feels like you gave me everything. My entire life I have watched you constantly giving yourself, your time, your desires, your money, and your heart to your girls here at home. And you gave yourself to your coworkers, and you gave yourself to your students, and so many more. And even now, more people are getting to see and experience life to its fullest because of you.
I love you, Dad. Happy Father's Day.
This week, we received a letter from the donation organization that spoke of how Dad's gift has changed lives. Because of his donation, there are two people who have been able to regain their vision. We can hardly think of anything more bittersweet and beautiful.
How appropriate that the man whose life's mantra was "It's all about the Light" should be the means bringing literal light to two people who had been in darkness.
How beautiful that in a way Dad's artistic eye, his love to gaze into creation, is preserved in the eyes of other human beings; what a gift they've received.
Dad brought so much light through his unending humor, humble confidence, and genuine care.
But he also sought the true Light - Jesus, who brings the only eternal hope, the only real light.
I've thought of these verses from the book of John many times; they're referring to John the Baptist, but it seems like my Dad, John, just fits right in there too.
"There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know him. He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be called children of God..."
John 1:6-12
Dad, you bore witness to the Light. I have seen the Heavenly Father through you. You gave me so much; it feels like you gave me everything. My entire life I have watched you constantly giving yourself, your time, your desires, your money, and your heart to your girls here at home. And you gave yourself to your coworkers, and you gave yourself to your students, and so many more. And even now, more people are getting to see and experience life to its fullest because of you.
I love you, Dad. Happy Father's Day.
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thoughts so far