sadness... and yet, strength

My (Nicole's) dad passed away unexpectedly on August 23rd. I had thought he would live forever, and on the other hand, he always seemed so fragile. The coroner declared it a heart attack, he died in his sleep at home. I think he would be happy about that, he wouldn't have wanted to be in a hospital for a long time. We did not request an autopsy, it doesn't really matter how he died. Only that he died. His wishes were carried out to have his body donated to the UW Madison Med School for research. He had the worst case of rheumatoid arthritis many people had ever seen, so he hoped that his body would be of value for researchers. We held a "happy hour" instead of a funeral, at Dad's request, at the Eagles' Club in my hometown. So many friends and family came to show their support, and I'm so thankful for all the cards and emails as well.

I think my Dad was the most excited of all the family about Micah, so it is tough to know that he won't be here when the little guy is born. We had planned on naming him Micah Edmund, following Andy's family tradition of a boy with the middle name Edmund, but we have now decided on Micah David to honor my dad. I don't know where my dad stood spiritually, so it is hard to think about not having another chance to share Jesus with him... but I know that God is just, and I know that He cares, and so I rest in the knowledge that my Dad is exactly where he belongs according to God's perfect judgment. The joy of the Lord is my strength!!