This is what I saw as I left the ER late this afternoon. The dark clouds represent the heavy hearts we all have right now, but the opening, the sunlight represents the destination, and our comforting hope. We lost a family patriarch this afternoon, our loving Father passed from this Earth to His Heavenly Home, suddenly, and without warning. Just this past Saturday we happily celebrated his 81st Birthday. He was surrounded by most of the family, and he thoroughly enjoyed our time together. We had a wonderful time of reliving the past, and we shared in many laughs. He loved to play golf, so today he called my Nephew, and this afternoon the two of them went out to play a game of golf with him, his Grandson. They managed to play 6 holes, and while he sat in the golf cart, he was suddenly called home. As sad as it is to let him go, we all know, he was happy, and he left this world with a happy heart, doing what he loved. He lived a full and purposeful life, surrounded by a family that loved him, and he ended his journey here in the same special way, with family. It is what he would have wanted. As the family and a few Grandchildren stood around his bedside, we all relived the past few days, and through our tears of grief, we said our temporary good-byes, but also rejoiced in some special memories. The memories will live on in our hearts, and Dad, he will always be with us in our hearts. We'll miss him dearly. and life will not be the same, but God has a way of knowing what we need to get through these difficult times. This beautiful sight, I truly believe was put there just for me, the moment I came outside, for He knew I would see His message, and understand His message of love, hope, and promise.
Oh Rick, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I can’t believe I’m reading this just after you mentioning how spry and independent he is. I hope it is a comfort to know that at least he died while still enjoying his life. That’s much better than watching someone you love slowly lose their capacity to be self sufficient. My heart goes out to you. It doesn’t matter how old he was, he’s your dad and it’s painful to lose a parent.
So sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family during this time. This photo was Heaven sent to you today. I hope it helps you through the mourning process. Take care.
This is such a beautiful capture! I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Rick. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
My condolences to you at the loss of the cornerstone of your family. This exquisite picture is a wonderful symbol for the message of love, hope and promise that awaits you. And what a way to meet your maker, with people you love, doing what you love. I know you take comfort in that.
So sorry to hear about your dad Rick. I saw this today too, as I sat out on my patio, and I so wanted to capture it on camera, but didn't want to go into the house for fear that I'd miss any of it. I was not suppose to capture this today....the message was for you and your family. May God bless you all.
Rick, you express your thoughts beautifully in words. While I am sad to hear about your dad, it definitely is comforting to know he was so loved and led such a full and happy life. I do believe that this celestial sign was for you. :) Peace be with you all.
I'm so sorry, Rick. Such a surprise is so hard to imagine. My heart is heavy reading this. My dad was only 72 when we lost him. There is never a good time or way to lose them - it's always hard, though I'm sure some circumstances make it even more difficult. I guess I better stop writing because the rambling is starting ... God bless you all and I am thankful for the sign you received. Hugs!!!
Wow Rick, reading that brought tears to my eyes and what a wonderful thing to see during such a hard time. It really was a message for you and I am so thankful that you shared it with us. It is beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I'm so sorry for such a great loss to your family, Rick. It's wonderful he had such a rich and full life right to the end. And, I, too am sure that was the sign for you to see. My thought are with you and your family.
Very touching tribute Rick to your loving father whom you will see in the glorious heavens. Wonderful words and stunning capture...hugs and prayers for you and your family.
So sorry to hear about your loss Rick. You expressed your feelings so beautifully in your words. Sounds like he was a very loving man and a man loved so much by his family. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family! This photo is stunning....i do believe it was meant for you too!!!
Oh Rick, I am blown away that you took time to comment on my photos today when such a special person left your earthly side. My love and prayers are with you and your family. I know that words can't erase the sorrow, but this picture certainly represents the One who can help see you through it. Your father sounded like such a great person and I can see that the Lord not only blessed him with a loving family, but in such a way that he did not suffer when the Lord called him home. I saw a sky very similar to this one as I brought my friend home from her doctor's appointment today and I remember thinking, "It's like light beams from heaven pouring down on earth" and now I know that God was also saying, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant". My deepest sympathies to all.
Thank you for taking the time to share your photo and message with us. I know this is a very difficult time and i want you to know that my thoughts are with you. This is an absolutely beautiful sky and I am sure it was presented to you to ease your sorrow.
Oh my goodness!!! You just had the wonderful celebration of his birthday!! My heart is sad with you! Thanks for sharing all of this -- and the picture is just beautiful! But still......what a perfect way for him to have left -- and so much love, such a wonderful legacy he left behind. He is still with you, of course, in a fuller, deeper way. Have faith, be comforted in the gift he IS to all of you!!
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know what your family is going through, my father passed rather quickly also. Thank you for all your comments on my photos.
This is such a beautiful, touching picture. I am absolutely amazed at what it represents. I will be thinking about you and praying for you and your family.
What a beautiful scene that God showed to you as you walked outside, Rick. I truly believe that it was meant just for you. I feel like I know so much about you and your family after being on this project for only a week. May the peace of the Lord be with you all throughout this time.
Rick, I'm so sorry for your loss. But as you say, temporary. What a wonderful way to go, playing golf, with a loved family member. This picture just shows your faith and love. Wonderful shot.
My sympathy. I am sorry for your loss. It is so hard to face up to such a situation. But your picture truely shows your hope and your outlook. It is a lovely picture and your dad was very lucky to have had such a loving family. Take care.
Rick I'm so sorry hear about your loss. You Dad sounds like a wonderful man who lived a life full of love and family. I'm so glad you got to have some special time with him before he passed. You and your family are in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss, Rick. But I believe you are right - God always knows just what we need, and I believe this gorgeous display was hand-crafted by Him just for you. I pray you and your family will have peace in the midst of your grief.
This brought tears to my eyes...the photo is stunning, and yes, it does seem that God and your Dad knew you needed this sight tonight. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know your Dad is in a wonderful place and the fact that he passed over while doing something he loved is a gift...but I also know that you and his family still here will miss him terribly. You will all be in my prayers.
What a beautiful photo.
Rick please accept my condolences to you and your family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers this evening.
It brought tears to my eyes as I read your sad message.
I am glad that your Dad passed peacefully.
Remember him as he was last Saturday.
How lucky you were to have such a wonderful day with him.
Hugs to you Rick from Australia ox
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family. It sounds as if your Dad lived life to the fullest, soaking up each moment and he died doing something he loved, with someone he loved, quietly and quickly. Beautiful photo to be framed so you always remember how Heaven welcomed him with love and light. Take care !
Oh wow, Rick. My heart is heavy for you and am so sorry for your loss. It's so hard when someone you love is snatched away suddenly. Know that you and your family will be in my prayers. You especially will be because you're my friend and I care about you. Know I am here for you. Email if you want to talk. mary1440@sbcglobal.net. I have been where you are and understand. Sending you hugs, my special friend.
(((((((Hugs))))))) Rick! Very sad, but with a perfect and stunning photo to remember the moment and day. Just like the Lord to give us that. I remember the day when we buried our son and the clouds were just like the ones on the lining of his resting place. :-) The Lord is so mindful of us. Sounds like he had a wonderful life and peacful ending to start the beginning of REAL life. LIFE- Living In Forever Eternity. The Lord gave me this when we lost our son. It's on his stone. :-) Praying for you all :-)
Wow, I don't even know what to say he, before I read it, I was going to say I'm sorry for your loss, but when I finish reading, it was so beautiful the way you describe everything, it was so special, it's sad that you're not a have him around, but it's also so beautiful the way you used to your words, it made me not feel sorry, it's like really celebrating life.
I hope you feel better my friend!
The first thought on seeing this picture was Fav, but reading the rest has made my heart ache for you. I am so, so very sorry. I'm glad you had Saturday with him and the family and I am sure those memories will be treasured always.
Rick, I am so sorry, and my heart goes out to you and your family. The memory of celebrating with your dad on his 81st birthday is so special, and memories like that are what hold families together. I know you have many good ones. The photograph is amazing and I do believe God sent you a hug from the Heavens. My prayers are with you and your family.
When the message from Lois P reached me, I was so sorry to read that your father had passed away suddenly. Take solace in the fact that he lived life to the fullest through to the very end, and who wouldn't wish for that! Your faith will sustain you, and the comfort of your family around you. Your photographic tribute is a beauty, and a testament to faith and appreciating the signs sent to us. You're in my thoughts.
So so very sorry for the loss of your father Rick. I know your heart must ache for him. But also have the comfort of knowing that he is with his heavenly father. And I think you are right about god showing you with the sky that everything is alright. When I am about to lose a family member,,,it always rains outside. I believe it is god telling me to get ready to let them come home.
Rick, I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard losing a parent but what a comfort knowing he is with his Heavenly Father. Your words brought tears to my eyes.Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Oh Rick I'm so sorry to hear your bad news today. only 3 days ago we read about your father's 81 Birthday and I thought how wonderful to kow that he is still gets around living by himself, keeps active, even still drives his car so I was chocked to hear about his passing on. this beautiful picture assures me that he's found his way to heaven. my condolences to you and your family ,,,you're all in my prayers.
What is left for me to say My Friend Rick, is that Praise to our Wonderful and Faithful God, who sends to us/you a message that He is with your Father and your Father is with Him. I looked at your photo and could think I hear angels singing, then I read your comment and I knew that it was so!
Your Faith has got you and family to where you currently are in this life now you have been given the ultimate a Message from our Loving God that all is well and He will sustain you - You know that Rick I have no need to say it but it certainly lifts me up to say it.
Love Hugs and Gods continued Blessings to you and all your grieving family, till you all gather together again in Love
in the presence of our God! I too felt the tears, but with a message like this they will soon pass.
Sad but beautiful story. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful photo to remember Gods love by. I can see for many reasons why it made the popular page. It is a Fav for me too. God bless you.
Rick, I am so sorry for your loss. I agree with @dawnirwin - a beautiful photo to remember God's love by. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Rick, I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. You and your family are in my prayers. What a glorious sign from heaven you witnessed today. Hope amid tears. God is so good.
Oh, Rick. I am so terribly sorry about the loss of your father. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. This is a beautiful photo, and very powerful.
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I also believe that God was letting you know that your dad was home. Praying for you and your family and sending a hug....
I was so shocked to hear of your rear fathers death specially after you had just celebrated his birthday & you had just taken him out for a meal. A wonderful way to go to his heavenly home & you have the great comfort of your strong faith & the knowledge he is in a safe place & you will meet again. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
So sorry to hear this, Rick. We all know it will happen at some point and especially when our loved ones get up in age, yet when it does happen, it still is tough to swallow. Sending prayers for you and your family. :-(
Visiting some of my favorite people this morning and was saddened by the news of your father's passing. My dad passed away over 3 years ago rather unexpectedly as well. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thought I'd pass along some words shared with me that resonated with me when my dad passed. Take care RIck.
Parable of Immortality
by Henry Van Dyke (1852 - 1933)
I am standing by the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says :
- 'There she goes! '
Gone where?
Gone from my sight - that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her
load of living freight to the places of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says:
- 'There she goes! ',
there are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout :
- 'Here she comes!'
@lintbrush Matt, thank you so much for sharing those words. There is so much comfort in words like this, and with such words of hope, and our reliance on One who is the author of all hope, we will walk through this valley with Him by our side.
Thank you so much for sharing your feelings with us - it has touched our souls and because of it your family with be in the hearts and minds of people all over the world.
An awesome picture and the contrasting light and dark come through in your words. Hope you feel surrounded by care as you travel together through the days ahead!
Stunning photo... God does have a way of providing comfort... this photo and your words have been a blessing today. My condolences to you and your family in your loss.
What a beautiful shot, but oh, Rick, I am in tears as I know what you are going through since the loss of my dad on July 1 is so fresh in my mind and I can sooo relate. Also, as @pinktornado39 (Laura) says, there is certainly no good time to lose a parent, but having gone through what I did for the last 5 months, I envy you...your dad left this earth doing something he loved with someone he loved. Hard as it is, it is probably the way all of us would choose to go if we were given a choice. Please know I have you and your family in my prayers.
@hwy61 Karen, I appreciate your words, and I know the pain is still fresh in your heart. We are at peace with his passing, just working through the pain of the loss.
Rick, I am so sorry for your loss. What a source of comfort for you to have your family around to relive all of the good memories of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your father.
I'm sorry, Rick! Your picture gave me chills and your words gave me tears! Oh, isn't it blessed to know you will meet again on the other side! (I do hope it's a loooong time from now!) I will remember it because it is my brother's birthday and his son's birthday, also. God bless you and your family!
Rick, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. How special to have just celebrated his 81st birthday before his passing. God's blessings on you and your family. Beautiful gift you captured.
Rick , what a fitting tribute to your dad. Grieve not my friend, I had no relationship at all with my father and envy those who do or had. Your memories will keep you going for years. Our prayers are with your family
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like he was a very special person and when the time came, he was doing something that he enjoyed with someone that he loves. He will always be with you and you have such wonderful memories to cherish. I hope as time goes by the hurt lessens. This is a wonderful photo and I bet your dad was smiling down at you when you took it.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Rick. I know that yoru father was someone special as you have often mentioned him in your photos. The beautiful skies I am sure was a message.He will always be in your hearts - To live in the hearts you leave behind is not to die".
@sarasdadandmom Thanks Terry. As we gather together and share in our stories, the tears help cleanse, but in all, we are so happy to have had the last 12 years to build what we had up until his last moment, ever since Mom passed away. We are all happy that we all had a part in what we know was a good 12 years for him.
Oh Rick, I have been so busy, I only saw this now! So sorry about your devastating loss, I know how you feel, I lost my dad 11 years ago and still think of him every day. This picture is exactly what you think and you are so lucky to be blessed with this sight so soon after he passed. I wish you and your family lots of strength.
I'm so sorry to hear this news, Rick, and to have been away from 365 recently. Eighty one is a good age and although you all miss him, to have had his Birthday with everyone gathered together must've given him great joy and everyone else too with the laughter and stories that such events bring. And also, to depart this mortal coil doing something that you love, now that is something few of us will ever experience in that way. In many ways, he was a fortunate and a loved man and that is some of the best things we can hope for in this life.
Oh Rick! I am so very sorry for your loss. You are right, God helps us through the tough times and places people and "signs" in our path to let us know that we are not alone..May Gods Blessings and comforts be with you and your family members as you go through the days ahead.
Rick, I'm so sorry I didn't see this sooner. I've been sick and also working during this peak registration time so I've not been online very much. I started looking at your photos tonight and found you've had such a sad event in your life. May your dad rest in peace and you and your family find solace and comfort for the pain in your hearts. This was a perfect sight for you to see and you captured it so beautifully.
Rick, I came over to your page because I always see the kind notes you leave on other's projects. I'm so sad to read of your loss but glad that your dad is now in the best place ever! And, truly, the sun shining through the clouds is an amazing gift! God's blessings and peace to you and yours.
and the spirit always knows when it time to go home...
Hugs to you and your family..
Rick please accept my condolences to you and your family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers this evening.
It brought tears to my eyes as I read your sad message.
I am glad that your Dad passed peacefully.
Remember him as he was last Saturday.
How lucky you were to have such a wonderful day with him.
Hugs to you Rick from Australia ox
I hope you feel better my friend!
Your Faith has got you and family to where you currently are in this life now you have been given the ultimate a Message from our Loving God that all is well and He will sustain you - You know that Rick I have no need to say it but it certainly lifts me up to say it.
Love Hugs and Gods continued Blessings to you and all your grieving family, till you all gather together again in Love
in the presence of our God! I too felt the tears, but with a message like this they will soon pass.
This is a fav.
Parable of Immortality
by Henry Van Dyke (1852 - 1933)
I am standing by the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says :
- 'There she goes! '
Gone where?
Gone from my sight - that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her
load of living freight to the places of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says:
- 'There she goes! ',
there are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout :
- 'Here she comes!'