I Bought a Blue Dress Yesterday

I hadn't planned to go shopping, but I hadn't planned to spend my morning at the funeral home either, taking care of my Dad's memorial service.

When Dad was diagnosed a few weeks ago, I thought I'd have more time with him. Time to make sure he knew that I couldn't have had a better Dad. That I couldn't have had a better role model. Time to make sure he knew how very much I loved him.

The call on Tuesday morning summoning us to the hospital came as a horrible surprise. He'd been so sick from his chemo treatment, but had been improving, so we never expected to have to say goodbye so soon.

But I see God's hand in it all and in His infinite mercy, He spared my Dad any more suffering and brought him home to heaven. He's now healed and free and happy and that gives me peace. Dad didn't want us to "go around with long faces", yes, his words; but he wanted us to celebrate with him that he was free. His memorial service will be a celebration of his life. He wanted to be remembered for the life he lived and loved.

So, I bought a blue dress yesterday. Blue was my Dad's favorite color and the color of his eyes and I'll wear it proudly to honor this amazing man who shaped my life and taught me how to live it. Fully and without regret.

I love you Daddy.
~~Robin

Celebration Service for Robert Saunders, Jr.