Peace and love to you all.
This is difficult to say. It has been a long day. Long week and a half, to be honest. However, after hours of prayer, hours of discussion, hours of considering every option, and hours of working with and consulting with professionals, Mom, Adam, and I have come to the decision that none of us could have dreamed of making even two weeks ago. We have decided to let Dad go to his eternal rest. Tomorrow, the three of us will go to the hospital and agree to move his care from life support to comfort care. From that point, it will be up to his body and God. Over the years, he was present at countless hospital bedsides and officiated countless funerals and the one thing he continued to say over and over and over again, even a month ago, was that he did not and would not ever want to be simply existing in a hospital room. He didn't want to be fed life through a tube and simply just be when an eternity with his God in Heaven was waiting for him. He said in no uncertain terms that he did not want to be in that position. We have decided to honor his wishes. We have been preparing for the last week and are ready. Well, as ready as we can ever be in a moment like this. The amount of love that has embraced us this last week has been immense and, as a man in service to God for well over forty years and someone who was dedicated to the Lord from the time he was eight years old, he has been already preparing and pushing to get to the greatest place imaginable. Please understand that we have not arrived at this decision lightly. It has taken tears the amount of which could drown a city and agreement after agreement to make sure we were on the same page. This outcome will leave a hole in our hearts and our lives that will exist forever. Yet, we're jealous too, because Dad gets to go up and hassle God and swap words with Shakespeare and talk about crocks and antiques with those that created them. He gets to move without pain and cook perfect steaks with corn and celebrate the glory beyond every single day from now until forever. It hurts. It hurts beyond measure and it will hurt for years in the future, but we will live our lives. We have to. He would be furious if we didn't. Your prayers and your love and your support have been appreciated more than we can say but we will need every ounce of care you have in the next couple days. When the time comes, I will post up an announcement about his passing and, when we have made arrangements for the service, we will list details here and on our Facebooks and everywhere possible because we want everyone to come and celebrate the life of our father and husband. Until then, we ask for your prayers, your love, and your kindness as we navigate these last few days. God bless you all. Jesus, You said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4, NIV). I am mourning; send me Your comfort now. Wrap Your arms around me and hold me tight. Send angels of mercy to me. Shower Your comfort on me through those around me. Amen.
8 Comments
Sarah (Cross) Tidwell
3/10/2022 03:43:18 am
My prayers and love are with all of you. The 10th is my Dad’s Birthday. I know my Dad and Mom will be there to help greet Uncle Randy when he get to heaven. My Heart breaks for all of you. It is not easy to say goodbye to a parent. I remember how hard it was on my mother too to say goodbye to the love of her life. I pray that God’s love and peace embrace all of you.
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3/10/2022 05:52:58 am
I know this is always one of the most difficult decision people have to make in their lives. Randy was there for me with such comforting words when my mom was put on hospice and when she passed away. He also could make me laugh when our conversations were about daily happenings. My prayers continue for all of you.
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Jewels TaylorWilde
3/10/2022 06:00:02 am
God Loves you and surrounds you with the Peace that Passes Understanding. May your pain be bearable and your memories of Joy keep you strong these next few days.
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Joyceann Kroger
3/10/2022 06:14:41 am
My heart aches for all of you. My our Holy Spirit give you comfort and strength for today, and many days ahead.
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Dianne Axlund
3/10/2022 06:15:40 am
So many emotions as I read your post as I have had to make those same decisions with my parents and my husband. I also have so many fond memories of Randy as I followed him around to various charge conferences in the Lower James River District as District Lay leader. It was obvious how well respected he was and his love and care for the churches he was guiding was humbling. His humor and eloquence made some of those mundane meetings a true joy. Many prayers for your family as you walk this incredibly difficult path.
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3/10/2022 07:34:09 am
Thank you for sharing this struggle. Randy has impacted a lot of lives...especially in the Dakotas.
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Chang Yi
3/10/2022 08:05:14 am
Randy was my first DS in the Dakotas and I can't forget his smile when we first met each other at the Sioux Falls airport in May 2006.
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Rachel
3/10/2022 08:56:39 am
Aaron, Adam and Cheri, I am so sorry you’ve had to make this difficult and heart-wrenching decision. May God and His angels give you peace and May memories being you comfort and, eventually, joy. But for now, know that lots of hearts are with you.
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AuthorAfter 43 years of ministry, Randy Cross lived his "fourth life" and shared about retirement, living boldly and intentionally in our world. To be sure, there was some North Dakota thrown in. Archives
March 2023
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