As I sit here on this chilly September morning sipping my dark expresso roast coffee, my heart is heavy. Today we leave for Franklin, TN to say goodbye to William Bradford Hume...better known as my father- in- law. Words really can not do justice to a life, can they? I mean how can I really describe all that he was..and is today as he sits on the right hand of our Heavenly Father. Oh how happy he must now be to be dancing in the presence of Jesus!
But, we that are left behind here on earth, bow our heads in sorrow. We mourn the great life this man had and all that he accomplished with his time here. Sure, he was successful according to the world' standards but more importantly, he was a wonderful, dedicated father and grandfather. He took the time to invest in our lives and always believed the best about us. He never doubted we could accomplish ANYTHING we set our minds to.
Deep down, he was full of compassion and understanding-although he may not have always shown that to those around him. He was stubborn, determined and quite opionated....he liked to run the show when we were around but I think in the end, he just wanted us to have the best experiences possible. His intentions seemed to always be good when it concerned us and he showed me a love that only a father can have. Its that sweet unconditional love-what a beautiful and rare thing.
He accepted Tayler and I as his daughter and grandson and always voiced what gems we were and how lucky Brian was to have us in his life. But, we were the ones that were so lucky, so blessed to have be given the gift of him into our lives!
We have many lessons that he tried to teach us-just waiting in the wings to be learned by us-dreams that are now time to be birthed. We promise to step up and help those dreams become reality. There is so much to take from his short time on this earth. And we dont take that calling lightly. Again, words cant do his life justice but in this early morning with the stroke of my fingers on the keyboard, I give it my best shot.
As I think about his funeral this weekend and the songs he wished to have played, like "Let it Be"...I take to heart the words he wanted us to fully embrace..."let it be, let it be." The message is clear and we must receive it. We have to choose to let go of such a beautiful life...we have to face this world without him by our side. We promise to honor your life Brad and to carry on the Hume name with dignity and respect. We want to make you proud and surely we will. Your legacy will not only live on in our lives but in the lives of generations to come.
When it was time to leave a few weeks ago after our visit, I wrapped my arms around you, with tears in my eyes and voiced that I didnt want to say goodbye. You told me then and I hear you now, whisper, "dont say goodbye, just say I'll see you next time." I think about the next time we will see you and it brings a smile to my face. When we see you next time, there will be no more tears, no more sorrow....just sweet, sweet joy.
I envision the next time we see you -and all of your grandchildren and great- grandchildren are piling on your lap, and thanking you for the legacy you left for them-kinda like Chase did a few weeks ago when he wouldnt stop lying his head on your chest, hugging you and saying "papaw, papaw" Yes, I picture all of us together once again and we arent crying like we are today. We are rejoicing together with Jesus!
So as we gather our family to travel today, I promise that we will try to lift our heads a little higher and just "let it be." It wont be easy but we know thats what you wanted. And more than anything else, we want to honor you and your wishes. And in the end, I guess you're insight was right Brad...as we leave today to pay our final respects, we dont really have to say goodbye...we just have to say, "see you next time."
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
(this Psalm was read to Brad over and over again in hospice by his request)
