My dad had been sick for a long time. He was diagnosed with cancer, and by the time it was discovered, the disease had already spread. He was promptly operated on and soon began treatment. Sadly, he lost the ability to walk, however as time passed, he seemed to get better.
Things were looking up for him and the family. Naturally, there was a strain during this period, and we all felt helpless. Thank God, I was recruited for a job around this time. However, it was in another country – one that I had never been to before.
In anticipation of starting my new role soon, I spent as much time as possible with Dad. A few weeks went by, and it was time for me to leave. Before I left, Dad told me to take care of my family—my siblings and my mom.
I arrived at my new home and got to work. Shortly afterward, the pandemic happened. At the start of the new year, the country I had relocated to had implemented a total lockdown. At around the same time, my dad’s health began to deteriorate. I received word from home that his cancer had spread even further, and things were not looking good. I really wanted to go back home to be with him and my family, but there was nothing that I could do. I was stuck.
One day I received a call from my sister at 3pm in the afternoon. She informed me that our father had passed away. My heart was shattered. I felt helpless, but life had to go on. It pained me that I could not go home to send my father to the Great Beyond, but God helped me power through.
I was unable to attend the burial, however, family tried to keep me as up-to-date as possible through pictures and videos. Needless to say, it was not the same as being present. I had pain in my heart, but there was no one to blame.
That’s where God came in as the great comforter. He held my hand through it, giving me peace that no one could give.
Psalms 34: 18
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
John 16: 22
Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
I found comfort in the fact that I knew where my father was and that he was not in pain anymore, even though I loved him so much and wanted him to be here. I knew that he was now resting in the Lord and that I would see him again one day, which gave me peace.
Loss is a part of life – it’s part of life to lose a loved one, and this only serves to teach us that life is precious. It’s much easier to go through grief with the knowledge that you have a Father who cares for you. It pains Him to see you suffer, but He offers comfort that no other can give, and His peace keeps our minds and hearts safe, as you trust in Him.
I love you, Dad.
Susan is a mother of four beautiful babies and a born-again Christian. She took over Hope No Matter What in 2024 and enjoys sharing her knowledge of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Her passion is to bring hope and encouragement to others, and she prays that by sharing her knowledge and personal story, she can inspire others to find enlightenment in God's word.