Father's Day Week - Tragedy to Triumph

The week of June 9 - June 17, 1989 is a week forever etched in my story. It is where I experienced my greatest loss as well as the greatest gain in my life. Looking back even now, 34 years later, the variance of emotions from mourning to hope in the span of a few days still astounds me. But it is a story of God's grace that alone can bring tragedy to triumph. 

The circumstances surrounded 2 of the most powerful influences in my life - my father and my husband. June 9, my father was tragically killed. Although I never doubted for a moment of his love for me, my father made some devastating life choices that brought painful consequences to his family. He gave me a lifetime of fatherly advice, but set an example before me of a path I would take great strides to avoid. Choosing a lifestyle of sin and darkness can quickly escalate and overtake ones life. Priorities, habits, relationships can be left behind to follow the irresistible call of addiction. As Father's Day weekend is approaching, I am able to reflect with gratitude the treasure of knowing a father's unconditional love but mourn the losses that took his life. 

This tragedy happened just 8 days before my wedding. Ceremony plans had been months in the making and our family agreed to continue on with the event as planned. Although the tragedy of my father's death was forefront in our minds, a celebration of love gave a beautiful distraction from the grips of grief. That day, our family got a glimpse of grace. 

Another celebration takes place this weekend - our 34th wedding anniversary. A marriage, not perfect by any means, but a source of joy, commitment, faithfulness and sacrifice. My husband entered the role of my greatest influence. Once a Daddy's girl and now a wife, the difference was being led in the ways of integrity and godliness. Faith, values and integrity guided our choices as we began our new life. God knew exactly what I needed and my husband is more than I could ever have imagined. 

The fruitfulness of our marriage produced 3 sons. My view of fatherhood dramatically changed as through the years I watched my husband love our boys unconditionally. With high expectations, he modeled a life of discipline, self control, sacrifice, faith and integrity. He is leaving a godly legacy and daily projects the model of a godly father. 

Triumph comes through the process of healing. Mourning is a vital part of the process of finding peace. Many tears, anguish and hard emotions were present and often overwhelming at first. Walking through them, taking steps forward and reflecting on the hand of God leading the way, gave peace, comfort and strength. 

Tragedy will always be a part of my life story. But triumph comes when the story is told from the viewpoint of hope and comfort. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 is my story:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 

This week still brings up an overload of memories and emotion, But hope and gratitude are what fills my heart.