He's not my father, hopefully my father-in-law one day, but I ache in a daughter way. I am sad I won't hear stories about his life, that I can't quiz him and sit out on the porch with iced tea and talk. I'm sad that he won't be a part of our lives. I feel the loss, and yet I'm profoundly grateful that I got to spend time with this dear and precious man with a wild and cool spirit. Hard working, tough as nails, tender and proud. Strong and fun. A survivor with so much practical sense and smarts. I wanted to gain some of that knowledge and spirit, soak in it and let it water me. I am thankful I got to hear a little bit about his sheep, the horses, and we got to sing and pray together.
Saturday I asked him if he'd like to sing Amazing Grace again with me. He said, "I can't remember it." I said, "that's okay, I bet it will come back to you." Sure enough, we began to sing and he sang right along. Sunday he was in great pain, but even through pain that I can't imagine, he tried to sing along with his son. To me, this is a lovely testimony of not giving up, of keeping faith, and living life to the end with a full heart of love.
One of the daughters told her dad, "I want you to have limbs again, Dad, I want you to be free to run and be with your horses. I want you to be with Mom. I love you, Dad, but I don't want you to hurt anymore." This touched my heart so much.
My heart is filled with gratitude for having met Mr. Jones. I respect and love him very much, and I pray that he has comfort and peace until Jesus calls him home. I pray that he will be soothed by the voices of his loved ones, knowing that he is loved and he can rest. Ayoo Aniinshni!
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