My blog has been silent for a while. Not because I have had nothing to say. On the contrary…I have so much on my mind. I guess I need to start with the biggest change in my life. My father went to be with the Lord on July 25 of this year. He was such a treasure…I miss him so much, but I really can’t dwell on it or I would be overcome with emotion. But I do want to share what I said at his funeral. It is therapy for me. Maybe it will be for some of you who have recently lost loved ones.

Gifts often come in strange packages…like a heart attack.

Dad had a massive heart attack in 1983. His heart stopped beating for quite some time. But he pulled through and the doctors said he might live 10 more years. Well, he made it 28 more years. I think these were the best years of his life. He saved the best for last. He finished strong.
During these years dad reconnected on several fronts.

Dad reconnected with hunting and fishing. If you don’t believe me, look at the back room (trophy room) of the house in town. There are 12 deer shoulder mounts, 8 deer antler mounts, 1 turkey spread, 1 largemouth bass, 1 rattle snake, 1 duck, 1 hornets’ nest, 2 antique decoy ducks, 4 rod and reels, and 2 fishing plugs all on display! Dad loved the outdoors and he reconnected with God’s creation after his heart attack.
Dad reconnected with his family. We took a Christmas trip to Pigeon Forge. He took many trips to see the grandkids graduations, performances, and games. Mom and dad went out to eat often…many times at Hardees in Kingstree. There are 79 pictures of family on the wall in his trophy room. He made it a priority to organize and get all of the Carter clan together for family reunions. Dad was a good family man, but he became a great family man after his heart attack in 1983. He reconnected with his family.
Dad reconnected with God and His Church. I never would have thought that Dad could or would love a church like he did Williamsburg Baptist Church. Dad was so passionate about the church that he drew the blue prints for the building on a napkin! He could not wait to see the church building go up and for the church to grow! As a matter of fact, the last time he attended church was for the purpose of going to help with Vacation Bible School. Crazy thing was he had a heart attack a few hours earlier that day, but wanted to attend church before he went to the hospital to get checked out. Dad also shared his faith every opportunity that he had. He would tell anyone who would listen that they needed Jesus. As long as I knew Dad, he was religious. But he fell in love with Jesus and His church the last few years of his life…and everyone could see it. What a blessing!

Gifts do come in strange packages. Sometimes in a heart attack. And most certainly in a short man from humble beginnings in Georgetown, SC. Miss you Dad. Love you Dad.  See you soon.

Advertisement