I have always heard that the words Thank You do not seem adequate, now I totally understand. There is no way to express how much all of the posts, PM'S and e-mails mean to me. I hope I don't bore you, but I would like to share a few things about Skip's celebration service. I knew exactly what he wanted and he got exactly what he ask for.
First was the music. If case you don't remember or know, Skip LOVED playing his guitar. For the last few years, he played in the praise and worship band at church. He loved rock and roll, and many of the songs played were just that. He asked for Stairway to Heaven to be played. If you have never listened to the words, please do so when you get a chance. Patty, the praise and worship band leader sang the most beautiful song, I Can Only Imagine. Her voice sounded like angels were singing. He asked that our Pastor's wife sing, as she could not be there, we played a song she had recorded for the sound track for the outdoor amphitheater that we had volunteered at for the past 5 or 6 years. It was perfect!
The service was as non traditional as Skip was. Yes, there was scriptures read, a message, but so much more. The slide show of 50 some pictures was great. So many pictures made us laugh out loud. Every time I heard laughter, I thought, this is exactly what he wanted, a celebration! I thought his guitar, which we had setting next to him would start to play on it's own.
We have several members of a Christian Harley group that attend our church, he wanted them to lead him to the cemetery. I thought maybe 4 or 5......no....there were 10 or 12. Our pastor being the lead bike. The noise they made going down main street was amazing. Sure turned some heads....lol. There were many biker shirts, OU Sooner shirts, band shirts etc. Pastor wore his favorite Harley shirt, that even had some battle scars of the little accident he had while wearing it. Skip would have loved that! The other pastor said he had never helped with a service with out wearing a suit(over 40 years). He can't say that any more.
We saw many miracles during the months leading up to his surgery, the most amazing one, is that we got to see our middle son give his life to the Lord. We had been praying for so long.
I guess what I would like to say to each and every one of you, besides Thank You, is to make sure every moment of your life counts. It is true what they say about life being short. Make the most of it. Love the one you love, hug them every chance you get. IF you don't know what they would like after they are gone, please, either talk to them about it or have them write it down. It made is so much easier knowing what Skip wanted.
Skip was an awesome husband, best friend and my soul mate. He was the best Papa Skip ever and such a good son to not only his mom, but mine also.
When I read your e-mail this morning my eyes leaked. What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful husband. To remember our loved ones with smiles & laughter speaks volumes to the life they led.
Peace be with you my friend.
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.... Live simply, love wholly, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly.
Quote: ...It is true what they say about life being short. Make the most of it. Love the one you love, hug them every chance you get. IF you don't know what they would like after they are gone, please, either talk to them about it or have them write it down.
this is good advice and sound wisdom.
Sounds like Skip's going away celebration was a success. Continued prayer for you and yours.
Your post honestly hit me pretty hard. Not much on this forum could bring a tear to my eye. . . praise God that Skip knows where his hope and salvation lies. . . this is truly an occasion to celebrate. Mark Twain once said, "Why is it that we celebrate birth and mourn death? It is because we are not the person involved."
More relevantly: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (New American Standard Bible) Those Who Died in Christ But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
Therefore comfort one another with these words.
(Emphasis mine)
Be well. . . I'll definitely add you to my prayers.
2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab SB LS 6.0L 4x4 4.10
DW, DD (May, 2007), DS (October, 2008), and me
What a loving tribute to Skip. Aside from the OU Sooner shirts (DH and I are NU Husker fans!), it sounds like his life was well celebrated by those who loved him so much. I hope that when my time comes that my life will be celebrated so joyfully.
I do know where DH wants to be buried, but I have no idea what to do with myself. My parents are buried in a veteran's cemetery, I don't have much contact with my brothers, and DH's family is in England (which is where he wants his ashes spread). I feel like I have nowhere to go. I guess I need to decide so I can get a will put together! I agree that it is very important to have your wishes known to your loved ones.
Even though Skip is gone, I hope that DH and I will have an opportunity to meet you in a campground someday. We just wish we could have met Skip too.
Thank you so much for taking the time from all that you are dealing with, to post this for your family here.
I am sure that I speak for the others when I say that we are honored to be part of your "family" and that you have kept us posted.
I too look forward to "meeting" Skip someday.
Now, I need to get some more kleenex!!
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
2001 Dodge Van w/Wheelchair Ramp
1991 Palomino Mustang PUP
Eureka Timberline Tent
Yamaha IF2400isc
Yamaha EF3000iSEBC "Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It"
Offline
