On March 17, my dad asked my brother, Shalom to do the closing prayer during our family devotion. He’s never done that before. Then as the days passed, we were made aware that his health is failing.
That being the case, I planned to go home on April 6-10. But Ai asked me to come asap. On March 24, I flew home. I saw my dad lying on the bed – weak and was hard on breathing. It`s not something I`d want to remember.
It was heartbreaking to see him in such a state. We did our best to spend quality time with him. I was blessed to be able to make it and spend some precious time with him. Whenever he could talk,I tried to listen quietly.
On April 2, I bid him farewell as he was lying in bed. I was scheduled to fly back to Osaka and he was scheduled to be brought back to his hometown that coming Saturday with my mom, my brother Chris and Ai.
However, on April 5, my dad was able to sit and walk a bit! Such a joyous sight! The following day, He could walk to the ambulance and talk a bit to people.
I’ll be forever grateful to God for holding him up to stand when it’s time to go back to his hometown and gave him a chance to have a bit of time with them to show him that it’s going to be ok.
He reached his hometown at lunch and was able to talk to his bestfriend and nephew among others.
From April 7-10 His health started to decline.
On April 11 – Jesus came to take him home.
My mom said that up until his final hours, he kept saying “God bless you.” to his visitors. She’s very grateful to God that He gave my dad an opportunity to do this.
When Ai went home last January, it was sad but it’s a great comfort that she was going home. Last time I went home, I was with her and it was a happy moment. In the same way, Jesus took my dad home and I rejoice knowing that someday, I’ll see him since we’re standing on God’s promises. What great comfort! My one student made mention that when his wife died, he had no idea where she went. I then appreciated my dad’s part in bringing me towards this faith in Jesus even more. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have any idea as to where he’s gone. Then, I’d grieve. When I got Ai`s text that my dad had gone to be with the Lord, I thanked God for giving me such a wonderful father and for taking him home before he suffered even more.
I know where my dad is and I know who came to give him rest.
During the wake, someone said that my dad didn’t leave his last will and testament. Oh, but he did. He told me to:
1. Forgive . God had already finished everything. We are all just human.
2. Remember to always praise Him
3. Keep the faith.
Reflecting on my dad’s life, I came to realize that:
1. Our priorities will show in the end. His will was all about his concern for our spiritual being. Which is why a lot of people say that he didn’t leave his last will and testament.
2. The reason for our living will dictate the direction we take. Even after COVID, he chose to hold family devotions.
3. A parent who has found something to die for would make sure his children follow the same path – Pilgrim’s Walk. That’s the group he started and left for us to continue. For every believer is a pilgrim, and should “walk” the faith, not just sit it out.
Yesterday, was my dad’s body’s interment. My brother Shalom was there to represent us siblings and do a live streaming. The community that had been coming together to pay their respect all week, had their devotions and prayers for the last time with my dad. It’s the same community that my dad had in his heart and prayers all his life. God grants our hearts desire – in His time. Amazing!
As my dad would say, in God’s love, power, grace and mercy, REJOICE! I cried, cry and will cry because I know that I’ll miss my dad, not because I lost him. Thank you for being with me in this journey. May God encourage us that in Him, there’s no death, there’s only homecoming. Shalom!
– Alma B. Tuban 4/2024