Dear Dad,
I started to listen to the book on tape from Dr. Dobson called Prayers and Promises. I really wish I had listened to it sooner. It has been very good to listen to and it kind of helps me to see how you may have been feeling for the past couple years. There were a couple things that he said that really opened my eyes. One thing he said was, “You are indispensible until your work on earth is done”. Whatever your purpose was here, dad, I know that you fulfilled it before you left. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God used your illness for His glory. There are so many lives that were touched by you because of ALS that would not have been touched otherwise. I am listing people off in my head and I am astonished at the blessing you have been to everyone. I pray that I can leave half as big of a legacy as you have, dad.
We only have 9 days left until the wedding and I feel like everything is coming together. I bought a car too! You would be so proud of me, dad. I just know it. It’s a safe vehicle that will be a great family car… someday ;)
Dr. Dobson also said, “If God chooses not to heal me, He will give me the greatest power and strength to deal with this weakness; in this I can be confident” and I know that is how you lived your life. I don’t know of anyone else that would be more capable to take on such a horrible disease. You became outwardly weak with so much inner strength. No matter what, I still considered you my rock. You never stopped being positive. “You can mope, or you can cope” you would always say but I think you did much more than cope, dad. You were a testament to people of God’s joy and peace. I am sure it wasn’t easy, but somehow you knew how to be happy just about all the time :) I miss your laugh and your corny jokes but I am glad that I heard both of those things about a gazillion times because now I can still hear them in my head when I listen closely. Marcie said she had a dream about you the other day and she kept saying you were “so happy” and walking and you told her you were ok. I haven’t had a single dream about you yet. I am trying to understand how that could be a blessing, but I really wish I could see you again. I am sure God is trying to give me time to heal.
You were a strong, happy, joyous, peaceful, encouraging, funny man who blessed anyone who crossed your path. I hope people will say that about me someday when it’s my time to go (except for the man part) ;)
Love you bunches,
Cassie Winnie
