Gripped By God’s Grace (Part 4) – Roctober 2021 Edition

Roctober is never gonna be the same without my Dear Dad. He enjoyed celebrating my birth month probably even more than I did. LOL

But, my Dad loved a good fiesta so … the celebrations have continued. That’s how he’d want it …

My Dad had such a zest for life. I couldn’t cancel my birthday.

This was my first birthday with my Dear Dad being in heaven.

I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I’ve enjoyed sharing some of my favorite birthday memories with family and friends and on social media.

I take great comfort and solace in looking at photos and remembering all the great times.

Birthdays have always been a BIG deal for mi familia.

This year’s birthday was different, but still so special.

And the surprises started right at the beginning of the month.

Can you imagine how touched I was when I went outside on the first Sunday in October and saw one lone birthday balloon hanging right near my place?

Sure, there was a party nearby the day before. That’s probably where the balloon came from.

But of all the places that it could land, it had to be near me? And at the start of my birth month?

My Heavenly Father loves to send me kisses from heaven. Some call them God winks.

Either way, if you’re familiar with my work you know that God seems to like to wink at me here and abroad. He speaks through the Bible, people and sometimes through signs, miracles and wonders.

God knew that I would see the balloon and smile.

And this time, my Dear Dad is up in heaven with Him.

What our loved ones are doing in heaven is a mystery, but for this one moment it felt as if my Dad said to God, “Can we at least send her a balloon?”

It’s hard for me to convey how I felt seeing that birthday balloon waving to me.

I don’t want to debate the meaning or create some new doctrine or anything… just wanted to share this Miraculous Lovely moment.

I’m glad I could also enjoy celebrating my birthday with mi familia.

It was comforting to know that life goes on for those of us who remain in the land of the living.

I have kept some traditions. I am also trying a few new things.

Things have different meaning these days.

For instance, I had some jewelry my Dad got for me in Ecuador a few years ago. I never wore it. It wasn’t quite my style. But I’m glad I kept it.

When I was looking for something to wear for my birthday celebration this year, the jewelry came to mind. I’d like to think God brought it to my rememberence.

I gladly put it on. It was like a brand new gift from my Dad.

I also have started looking at a few other photo albums and am coming across pictures I haven’t seen in years or ones I have no recollection of.

Again, those are like kisses and gifts from heaven.

My Heavenly Father delights in surprising me.

I’m grateful for how He is surprising me when it comes to photos and mementos that remind me of my Dad.

There’s one more God moment I’d like to share.

On my actual birthday, I went to one of my favorite parks. I haven’t been there since before the pandemic.

Because it was late afternoon, the sun was slowly starting to set. It took me forever to find a somewhat shady place to sit.

I kept walking and trying to find the right spot. I had a feeling this was taking long because God was up to something, but I wasn’t sure what.

The Bible says God orders our steps (Psalm 37:23), so I just kept looking for the right spot to rest.

I finally found it and started to relax and read and write and take photos.

Time kept passing.

The sun kept setting.

When I finally looked up, I was taken aback.

Along with seeing the beautiful sun and city skyline, I saw a rainbow. But instead of it being arched like usual, it was upright as if it were stretching straight from heaven to earth. Amazing!

I’ve never seen a rainbow like that. And it hadn’t been raining that day …

It must have had to do with the position of the sun, but to me it was another heaven-sent gift.

So Miraculous and Lovely!

That evening I finally ate some food that I used to enjoy eating with my Dad. I was worried how I might feel. I’m so glad there was no sadness.

Again, the tears still flow at different times but I’m grateful that the laughter and smiles also flow as well.

I don’t know how I’ll feel around my Dad’s upcoming birthday or the holidays, but I do know that I remain gripped by God’s grace.

And so are you friend. So are you!

Here are some things that helped me “get through” my first birthday with my Dear Dad being in heaven. Maybe something will help you on your grief journey:

• Deciding to look at photos that bring back happy memories.
• Wearing jewelry and bringing out other mementos that remind me of my Dad.
• Eating food we enjoyed together.
• Celebrating with my remaining loved ones and friends.
• Treating myself to things that make me happy.
• Trying a few new traditions.
• Letting the tears flow, as needed.
• Looking for my Heavenly Father’s fingerprints.

If you’d like to read a little more about my Dad, you can read about some of our adventures in By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad.

You can also check out these blog posts I’ve written over the years:

• Gripped by God’s Grace (Part 1)
• Gripped by God’s Grace (Part 2)
• Gripped by God’s Grace (Part 3)
• That’s My Dad – A Tribute
• Lesson Learned from My Dad
• Over the Moon: My Connection to Apollo 11
• Let Your Light Shine
• Lost and Found

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