I absolutely love the sights of Spring approaching. About four years ago we planted a Tulip tree in honor of my Dad, Every year since, it blooms around his Heavenly birthday. This Wednesday marks four years. We sure do miss him but he is in a better place, fully healed from cancer. When I see the buds on this tree, I begin to anticipate the beautiful blooms that are sure to come soon. Yesterday I noticed more color and it made my heart smile. I’ve clipped back the very bottom breaches so it grows more into a tree form rather than a large shrub. My husband Ron and I expanded the border stones yesterday so we can add more nourishing soil and mulch. Haven’t finished yet but we have time.
Spring is coming soon. The signs are all around and my allergies sure have kicked up as well. One cluster of daffodils have bloomed and the others should be opening their beautiful yellow petals soon. Things come back to life after a lifeless Winter. The sun is delightful in our Carolina blue sky as the days are a little bit longer. Spring puts a little “pep in my step” and makes me happy. The beauty of the Tulip tree is bittersweet as the budding reminds me that Dad has finished his race but he’s with Jesus. I can’t wait to see the spectacular blooms and I also can’t wait to be reunited with him and Jesus someday.
Time sure does fly. You blink and a three years has gone by. Tomorrow, March 12 is not only my husband Ron’s birthday but also my dad’s third heavenly birthday. Three years ago tomorrow we took him to the hospital, fully expecting to bring him home. After all, his momma lived to be 101, bouncing back after many trials. It’s true that God’s ways are not our ways. When God calls us home, we will go.
We have handled his loss well because we know we will see him again. It was a “see you later” knowing he is with Jesus now. No more cancer, no more pain. But I sure do miss him.
Today when I was outside changing the garden flags, I walked to the back fence and smile. There in full bloom was the tulip tree we planted almost three years ago in honor of dad. He and mom have a beautiful one and I love their tulip tree. When dad died, I asked Ron if we could plant one. It blooms around the time of his heavenly birthday each year. Our upstate South Carolina soil is red clay. It’s not the best for growing things but we were extra careful mixing in some peat moss and good soil in the large hole we dug. I wanted to make sure it had the best chance of survival. So far so good. Each year it’s grown a bi more and has more blooms. Seeing those blooms today put a smile in my heart.
Grief is the oddest thing. Memories come all the time of treasured moments over the years. I was a “Daddy’s Girl”. I could talk to him about anything and he would listen and give sound advice. He enjoyed a good game of Skipbo with the family. We used to have four generations around the table playing that card game. He and his momma were sharp players and they both played to win. I recently found Skipbo online and downloaded it on my iPad. It’s a fun card game but nothing compares to the memories when we all played it together.
Dad and his Momma playing Skipbo
Tomorrow is also food pantry day. Mom and dad both volunteered at the Fort Mill Church of God food pantry for years. Eight years ago I started volunteering with them there. Dad would swing by and pick me up to take me with him and meet Mom there. He would always stop by and get me and mom a cup of tea: sweet for mom and half and half for me. I miss him when we are volunteering. Seems like he should be in the next room praying for the clients as them come in. Mom still does that and I help pack the food boxes.
Most of all I miss the talks. He was a very generous man who loved his family well. His generous spirit and legacy lives on in us all. In honor of my Dad, this blog is for you. Oh and one more thing Dad… Forrest is doing so well and your great grands are showing the Kenley genes. My goodness. When I see pictures of them I see your boy. I know you would love that. Mom sure does. Shes doing very well too, a strong woman. Love and miss you always.
Me and dad on the way to volunteer at the food pantry
“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”Matthew 5:4 NLT
On this day 79 years ago, my Dad was born. Tomorrow marks 6 months since he went home to be with Jesus. Not a day passes by that I don’t think of him.
It is amazing the comfort the Lord has brought to our family. Yes we miss Dad greatly but we know he is with Jesus and we know we will see him again. Knowing this brings such comfort to my heart.
Today is his first birthday celebration in Heaven and I know without a doubt, it’s the best one he’s ever had. I know he’s smiling BIG knowing Forrest Jr. is doing so well after his recently one year bone marrow transplant anniversary. He would be so proud of Mom and the strength and courage she has shown. He would be proud of my book “Rooted by the Water” and the spin off blog I’ve started. He told me I should write. He liked the way I put things into words on my Facebook posts. However he did tell me to not write any emotional sappy posts after he died. (his words not mine ) 🤣 He was funny and I think he will forgive this one. He would be excited to know a great grand baby is on the way. He would LOVE that! He would love hearing about the upcoming wedding for his granddaughter. And he’d be so proud of Joshua too as he shows strength and resilience in life.
Grief is a strange thing. It still has not hit that he’s really gone. I know that’s the comfort from the Lord and I’m so grateful.
We celebrate you today Dad. Your legacy of love for God, and generous spirit continues. You are missed greatly but we will see you again!
Happy birthday Dad! I love you! 😎🤟🏼 (Those were the emojis he put at the end of his texts to me).
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