Imagine this day, July 5th. . .

I miss my Dad! It would have been his 90th birthday.

In 1988, my sister, Lou and I decided that we should start celebrating Dad’s birthday each year. I only recall missing one year after that. We still celebrated that year, but not on July 5. We began when he was 70 with a McDonald’s party because Dad had teasingly told one of his grandkids that he had never had a McDonald’s party. It was a surprise and he was a great sport.

Since then we have gone to ballgames, the lake, and Chicago. We have been at his house and he has been at our houses. We had a big Open House Party—a surprise for him—on his 80th birthday. Since my other sister, Donna, moved closer, she has not missed Dad’s birthday either. This year, we had hoped for a quiet celebration in his home on July 5th and a big celebration later for a weekend with all of the family at a camp in August. It wasn’t to be. Dad died nine days ago.

I just looked through a little book, Heaven by Joseph Bayly. It would sure be great if we could get a phone call from Dad telling us something and hearing his healthy, happy voice. My mother died twenty four years ago today on my dad’s 66th birthday. I imagine that they are celebrating and delighting in being united and with Jesus.

I like this quote from Joseph Bayly and the following two songs are special as well.

Death is deliverance to life
beyond your imagining!
The death incident is merely
a passage from earth life,
from the womb that has contained you until now,
into the dark tunnel.
You may experience pain
--just as you did when you were born a baby--
but beyond the tunnel is heaven.
I promise you, you'll enjoy heaven.

Finally Home by L.E. Singer

When engulfed by the terror of the tempestuous sea,
Unknown waves before you roll;
At the end of doubt and peril is eternity,
Though fear and conflict seize your soul.

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!
Of touching a hand-And finding it God's!
Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!
Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!

When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night,
O how lonely death can be;
At the end of this long tunnel is a shining light,
For death is swallowed up in victory!

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!
Of touching a hand-And finding it God's!
Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!
Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!


I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence,
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing Halelluja,
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine