While I knew I would one day write this post, I hoped that day would be far in the future. There are so many words, thoughts, images and songs flitting through my brain I only hope I can sift through them enough to make some semblance of order befitting the subject.
I wrote this post not long ago. My Father's Day wish was granted, although not in the manner I had hoped, when the Lord cured Daddy by taking him to Heaven on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
The weeks leading up to his departure (it was, after all, only a departure from this life to the next) were filled with love, laughter, hugs, kisses and many trips down memory lane. My sister and I left are daily lives to spend every last day we could with Daddy. We were blessed beyond measure to have had the opportunity to say the things we wanted to say and to hear the things he wanted to say. There is no doubt in my mind he left this world knowing how very much his girls loved and appreciated him. I was witness to God's love and mercy as he gently led Daddy home.
My brother-in-law, Kyle, wrote the obituary below. He also read the scripture at Daddy's service and gave us all comfort and food for thought.
Bennett Ray Collins, 71, of Versailles, Indiana, passed away peacefully August 5th in his home after an extensive battle with cancer. He was born on April 20, 1938 in Isom, Kentucky to Luther Collins and Mae (Sexton) Collins and he married the love of his life, Thelma Moore, on July 1, 1960. He retired from the IUPUI Medical Center in 1988 after 20+years of service. Bennett was a loyal Christian and a faithful member of the North Madison Church of Christ.
Bennett Ray is survived by wife Thelma (Versailles, In), daughters Kathy Smith (Indianapolis, In), Kendra C. Marks (Frankton, In), Sister, Francis Moore (Indianapolis, In), Brother, Lloyd Collins (Indianapolis, In), Grand Children; Leia Duty (St. Louis, Mo), Dejah Smith (Ingals, In), Nathan Marks (Frankton, In), Caleb Marks (Frankton, In), Shelby Marks (Frankton, In), Great Grand Children; Jalen T. Johnson (Greenwood, In), Dylan Smith (Ingals,In), Nikolas Wilson (Ingals, In)
Private Family Services will be held Friday, August 7th at the Harry W. Moore Funeral Care and Crematory (Allisonville Road Chapel @ 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, In 46250*317.849.6800) with burial at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.
Family request that no flowers be sent to Chapel or burial site, nor any food items be delivered to any family member. Monitary donations can be made to the Open Hearts Helping Hands(http://www.openheartshelpinghands.com/), any local food pantry or to the American Cancer Society.
While he may be gone from my sight, I am so thankful to have the many photos I can visit from time to time.
I love you Daddy...
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6 comments:
Oh, My Dear, I'm so sorry. I just wish I'd been there to give you a hug.
What a lovely eulogy your post is---your own words and the one delivered at the services. A life well lived, a Dad well loved.
But you know if I'd known, I'd have been on your doorstep with a banana pudding. Hug those babies and hear that laughter go on, and see the shine in their eyes. That's a wonderful legacy.
I'm sorry for your loss. How wonderful to have had the time with him. What a beautiful tribute to your father.
How BLESSED you were with that year. Its one of those mixed blessings, he is healed but you suffer the loss,
Isn't it wonderful to know you will see him again. Will hold you & your family in my prayers.
As I sit here reading this with tears streaming down my face, I, too, rejoice that my brother is with Jesus. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart that you and your sister were there for him and your mom. I cherish the moments I spend with him near the end. How wonderful to hear a brother say, "I love you so much, sis, more than you will ever know." I loved him, too. Many thanks to Kyle for his comforting words. Love, Francis
I am sorry for your loss. I hate cancer. We have lost so many in our family to that hateful disease. Hang on to your sweet memories...they will bring much comfort.
Just did one of those "whatever happened to..." searches and saw that Ray had died. I worked with him at the IU Medical Center. He was a good man.
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