[__ Prayer __] my dad

[Christ_empowered]

My dad and I are getting close, for the first time...ever. Really. Sometimes, I think part of the reason God saved (and is saving, and I pray will save) me is for my parents, on a number of levels.

Anyway, his aunt died. She sounds remarkable...wheel chair bound w/ MS, starting 35 years ago. She made it to 85, surrounded by friends and family. He's sad, of course, but...85 is full, long life. She had lots of kids, faith, all that.

I think another reason he's sad...my dad comes from a family of Dutch immigrants. Parts of the family were around in the New Amsterdam-era, parts moved here up to the 19th century. Anyway, they'd move, marry other Dutch people, build businesses, stuff like that. Until my dad's generation, it was standard for people to marry other Dutch people. His brother married a woman from a Dutch family, for instance.

I guess I"m saying...with these people in his family reaching old age and passing away, I think its also the death of a certain lfestyle, a certain time. Immigrant cultures eventually assimilate, unfortunately. Some of the family still live around certain spots up north and do the traditional things, like go to a Reformed church, all that. Other parts of the family...not so much. Times change.

Please pray that he does OK with this.

 

[electricaluser]

My dad and I are getting close, for the first time...ever. Really. Sometimes, I think part of the reason God saved (and is saving, and I pray will save) me is for my parents, on a number of levels.

Anyway, his aunt died. She sounds remarkable...wheel chair bound w/ MS, starting 35 years ago. She made it to 85, surrounded by friends and family. He's sad, of course, but...85 is full, long life. She had lots of kids, faith, all that.

I think another reason he's sad...my dad comes from a family of Dutch immigrants. Parts of the family were around in the New Amsterdam-era, parts moved here up to the 19th century. Anyway, they'd move, marry other Dutch people, build businesses, stuff like that. Until my dad's generation, it was standard for people to marry other Dutch people. His brother married a woman from a Dutch family, for instance.

I guess I"m saying...with these people in his family reaching old age and passing away, I think its also the death of a certain lfestyle, a certain time. Immigrant cultures eventually assimilate, unfortunately. Some of the family still live around certain spots up north and do the traditional things, like go to a Reformed church, all that. Other parts of the family...not so much. Times change.

Please pray that he does OK with this.

I am not sure what you are asking, are you asking the members here to pray for your fathers salvation?

 

[Christ_empowered]

no...to help him w/ the grieving. He's lost an aunt, and also a whole way of life is dying, too.

 

[electricaluser]

no...to help him w/ the grieving. He's lost an aunt, and also a whole way of life is dying, too.

Oh ok, all I can do is hope you will all get through this.

But I am not a Christian so I don't know if that matters.

 

[AirDancer]

My prayers for your family and your great-Aunt's family, Christ_empowered .

Regardless of the person's age, the death of a loved one is sad for all those who remain living. And it sounds like your great-Aunt was an amazing and accomplished woman who dealt for 50+ years with MS.

For your Dad, he's becoming the 'older' generation more and more as his aunts & uncles pass away. His own mortality is presented to him more clearly with each loss.

When you can, ask him to tell you about his Aunt (and any other relatives, for that matter). You might even encourage him to write down what he can remember about his Aunt & relatives. It would be a special gift to have insider information about your relatives beyond the usual date of birth & age at death.

And please also show more patience & love around your Dad. The grieving process varies for each person. Your Dad needs your support.

 

[jack K]

Hi CE

Dealing with death of a loved one is never easy, would just like to reiterate what Airdancer had to say, just be there for your dad. Try to get him to open up and the best thing you could do for him is just to give him your time and keep him in your prayers.