What would you do if your father was very ill and lived very far away? What if you hadn’t seen your father for several years? What would you do if you thought that perhaps you had only one more chance to see him again before he passed into Glory?
You would move Heaven and Earth to be with your father, wouldn’t you?
But what if you are a resident at Shepherds with no means to travel without the assistance of others? Now what?
Fortunately and by the merciful grace of God, Michael, one of Shepherds’ residents, had the answer to this
question before he even knew to ask it. Michael recently had the opportunity to travel to his home 15 hours away by car and see his family. His father was in the hospital, seriously ill, and not expected to live very much longer. His mother, brother, and sister-in-law were there to greet him with loving and open arms when he arrived. What a beautiful reunion that must have been.
As soon as they could, the family made their way to the hospital so that Michael could see his father. Throughout the weekend visit, the bond between father and son, and between son and brother grew stronger. They were able to pray together as a family, attend church services together, read the Bible together, and just enjoy one another’s company once again. The parents were able to see how well Michael was doing and be assured that he is being well taken care of at Shepherds and enjoying his home there.
As the weekend drew to a close and it was time to go, Michael’s mother brought out a portrait that she had painted of Michael’s father, telling Michael that she wanted him to have this so he can remember his father.
Upon returning to Shepherds after this long weekend trip, Shepherds received a phone call from Michael’s mother, sharing what a blessing it had been for the family to see their son. It meant so much to them to see how well he looked and to witness the bonding between him and his brother. However, the best news that the mother shared with Shepherds was that the father had made a complete turnaround since this visit. His health had taken a turn for the better as well. He is now in a rehab facility and will soon transfer to a nursing home.
Amazing! The power of love, of a father for his son, and of a merciful Heavenly Father for His dear children.
This beautiful painting now hangs in Michael’s work area. He has a chair nearby where he can sit and see his father’s face looking down on him. Such a tender and touching remembrance of a very special father, and a very special visit.
“Until I see you again, Dad. I love you. Your son, Michael”
