Monday, November 24, 2008

Tribute to my Dad

I can’t believe it has been a month since I last blogged.
We took my Dad home on hospice care on Oct. 27th and he passed away on Nov.15th.
Hi last wish was to be at home and we are so happy that we could keep him there until the end. My Mom did an awesome job of taking care of him with the help of myself, my siblings, and the hospice workers who were so fantastic.
During those three weeks, all eight of his children were able to visit and spend time with him and we were able to put him up in the combine so he could make one last round in the corn field which was so important to him. He was so happy that day.
My Dad was never in pain (or so he said) but he did endure a lot over the last 11 months of his life—many hospitalizations, tests, treatments, and surgeries. He was lucid and communicating up to the last few minutes of his life. He and my brother had watched the Minnesota Gophers game that afternoon and discussed the plays. My mom had attended church that evening and brought communion home to my Dad. They prayed together and he received communion from her. Within an hour he was gone.
He was not perfect but he was a really great man and we will miss him terribly. I am sad my child will not meet him but I will have stories to tell and she will know her Granddad.
We know without a doubt that he is in heaven—the Bible tells us that we gain entry into heaven by our faith and my Dad believed!

Leo James McNab
January 25, 1936 – November 15, 2008

Final Harvest

He Was bound to the land from the day of his birth
His roots anchored deep in the fertile earth
Nurtured, sustained, by the soil he grew
And his life, like his furrows, ran straight and true

In faith, each spring, he planted the seeds
In hope, to reap his family’s needs
With patience, he waited for the harvest to come
To gather the fruits of his labor home.

Ever turning seasons, the years sped past
Till the final harvest came at last
Then claimed anew by beloved sod
He was gathered home to be with God.
--Barbara W. Weber

11 comments:

Pamela said...

Mary, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Blessings to you and your family,

Pamela

JaneMM said...

Mary,

Just to let you know...I am thinking of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. May God be with you and bless you.

Jane

Kelly and Sne said...

I am sorry to hear that your father passed away though I'm glad that he was able to be home and "say goodbye" to the people and things he loved. I love your tribute and the poem - it brought tears to my eyes. My condolences.

qmiller said...

Mary,
Just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and how sorry I am to hear of your dad's passing. It sounds as if you and your family really gave him such a special gift during his last weeks at home. Blessings,
Quaintance

Jennifer said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father, Mary. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

Marianne said...

Mary, So sorry to hear about your Dad. How wonderful that he was home with the family!
Take Care
Marianne

Aaron and Julie said...

Mary -
I am sorry to hear about your Dad. This is a very moving tribute & post honoring him. I pray that God's peace & comfort continue to be with you and your family at this time. You have been in my thoughts & I'm sorry for the delayed comment.

Blessings & hugs,
Julie

Misty Clark said...

Mary, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

The Dusty Attic said...

Mary...I am so sad to hear about your father. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen said...

I'm so sorry to hear that your father passed. It must have brought him much comfort to spend time with all his children and to be able to take one last spin in the cornfield. He had a rough year indeed. May he rest in peace now.

My thoughts are with you and your family, Mary.

Karen

Rose said...

Mary, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Please know that I'm thinking of you and that your family is in my prayers.

Rose