February 2 -That Final Farewell

February 2, 2011, the coldest day I ever remember physically, the coldest day I ever remember emotionally. A blizzard had hit El Paso the night before with snow and ice and below freezing temperatures. The blizzard in my heart had hit the week before when we had to make the decision to take Ken off of life support, and he went to his glorious Home with Jesus in Heaven. The thawing of the ground took much less time than the thawing of my heart. Seven years later and I still miss him so very much. Today I remember him for the wonderful person he was. I remember how much he adored his family. I remember how much he loved his friends. I remember how much he cared about and loved every person he ministered to. I remember his compassion and burden for the lost. I remember his ability to let people know how much he cared no matter their place in life. I remember his beautiful deep voice and how he loved to sing for his Lord. I remember how he enjoyed playing the guitar. I remember how he could preach the most wonderful and anointed sermons. I remember his love for being in the mountains. I remember how he loved to tell his famous "dad jokes." I remember the stories he loved to tell from his growing up years. I remember how kind he was to everyone he met. I remember how so many people loved him. I remember how much he knew the Bible and knew the answer to so many questions and where to find it in God's Word. I remember his ability to bring a calmness in the midst of chaos. I remember how he could pray and bombard heaven. I remember his gentle and quiet spirit. I remember how humble he was. I remember what a great teacher he was. I remember how he loved lighthouses and the song, "Jesus is the Lighthouse." I remember him playing his guitar and singing, "He's Alive." I remember he also loved to play and sing, and loved when I joined him in singing, "The Little Boy from the Carpenter's Shop." I remember how he loved to play ping pong. I remember how he loved Nutter Butter cookies and Dr.Pepper. I remember how he could drink a whole pot of coffee in the mornings. I remember how deeply he loved his God and always made Him number one in his life. I remember his great love for his kids and his constant prayers for them. I remember how he loved going on an adventure, whether a new route we had never taken, a new place we would visit on vacation, or a new city with new ministry opportunities. I remember so many, many more things. But today I mostly remember the last time he looked at me right before he went to meet his Savior, and will never forget the look of love in his eyes that said, "Farewell, I love you." I remember several days later on that bitterly cold day, looking at your shell of a body, and saying, "Farewell, I love you." I will ALWAYS remember how much I love you!