I am well aware that when our parent dies, it feels like no parent has ever died anywhere in the world, not like this. So, thank you for indulging me in this.
I know that when people plan their own funeral services, they make such elaborate plans you would think it was the ruler of a sovereign nation with unlimited resources. Death has such a finality about it, it feels as if we should do something really significant. In our case, Dad left no instructions about his funeral. The obituary, prepared by my siblings, says Tuesday’s service will be held by–get this now–Pastor Mickey Crane, mom and dad’s longtime preacher, but also by Rev. Ron McKeever (my big brother), Glenn McKeever (one year younger than Ron, and not a preacher, but eloquent about life and death and those he loves), me, and Rev. Steve McKeever (Ron’s eldest child). Bring your lunch.
When you read the blog about “My Father,” notice the large number of comments from friends old and new, near and far, some dearer than brothers and some whom we’ve never met. I am overwhelmed. In addition, almost that many friends who read the blog skipped the “leave a comment” section and sent e-mails directly to my address. I’m trying to answer each one.
This Sunday morning, my 13-year-old grandson Grant will accompany me on the 7 hour drive to north Alabama. The rest of the family comes in Monday for the Tuesday funeral.
I plan to take notes on some of the Carl McKeever stories that are told and retold over the next 2 days, and post some of the more interesting ones here. Just to make you aware.
Saturday night, my Mom said, “It feels so lonely.” My niece was on her way down to spend the night with her. I said, “After nearly 74 years of marriage, I’m certain it does.”
We will appreciate prayers for Mom.
At various times, both my parents have asked me to thank you who have written cards and notes to them over the last few years for birthdays and anniversaries. Some wrote stories or told of their parents or included your favorite Scripture. That was always special to them. Four or five even sent money. They enjoyed that, too!
You have enriched these last days and I sincerely thank you for that. I haven’t checked, but am confident Mom still has every one and has re-read them a dozen times.
I am aware of the debt we owe to so many for love and prayers. Thank you so much.
I will be with my beloved uncle for this grievous task and thank all of you for your kindness and love expressed towards our family. We realize our Pop means little to those who weren’t fortunate to be in this family, but nevertheless you can’t begin to know even through these very articulate communications from Unc Joe, what a void is in our lives. We who are Christians draw much comfort that Pop is not gone, just relocated till we see him again soon. May all who read these words feel that same assurance as we so heavily rely at this time.
Joe, you’ve spent much of your life counseling those in need so allow me to offer a little advice to the advisor.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT US RIGHT NOW!!!
I truly understand your desire to express your appreciation to all those who send their notes of sympathy; there will be plenty of time for that. Spend time with your family, share the memories, love one another and grieve together. You can respond to us later. I promise we will all still be here eagerly awaiting tales of the McKeever Clan. We all love you Joe so take your time and get back to us after the family is taken care of.
In His Care,
Brad Walker
Psalm 34:8
Hey Joe,
Sorry to hear about your father. Mom (Annette) just told me.
Love,
Your favorite 2nd cousin, (LOL!)
Rene’
Hi Joe,
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. There is no relationship quite like it. I lost my dad 7 years on the 20th of this month. It still stings, but like your family, I dream of the day when we will run and hug at heaven’s gates, and oh, the stories he will tell! God be with you and all your loved ones.
Joe,
I certainly extend my love and prayers to you and your family – especially your mom. You may not remember this, but when you and I first got to know each other (driving with our wives in your long, red cadillac with the loudest horn i have ever heard on an automobile)as we considered me coming on staff at First Kenner. One of the major issues of my life at that time was that in March of the same year (1994) I had lost my dad, Walter D. Munn. He only lived to be 66 years old, but he lived a full life.
He was like Mr. Carl in that he was a good man, not perfect, who became better as he aged. As I read through your reflections on your dad, I was taken aback by the fact that your Dad focused on the same verse that mine did. Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver or gold.” My dad always said it takes a lifetime to build a good reputation and a moment to lose it. The minister who did Dad’s funeral said he was convinced that my dad was a preacher. Rather using a pulpit, however, Dad used his life as his platform.
We are both blessed, Joe, to have had fathers in this life who left behind gifts for us sons which cannot be simply counted on the balance sheet. By the way, about a week or two after we saw you in Monroe Lissa’s grandmother died. She was one month away from being 94. Had she lived two more weeks, five generations would have been alive at the same time. Lissa and I are now great uncle and great aunt.
Thanks for blessing us all with your walk through this journey. Your honesty is refreshing, and your perspective is unique. May you and your family experience the comfort of the Comforter in these days. Lissa and I love you, as do our girls.
Dwight Munn
Joe:
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. However, you know that you will see him again soon. You were very blessed to have had your father this long and he is leaving you all the memories together.
I truly understand your grief as I too have lost both parents. You do have brothers and sisters and your precious Mom.
Thinking of you in my prayers always,
Your dear classmate
Gail Berry-Gober-Phebus
Hello Dr. McKeever!
I enjoy reading your emails! I am deeply sorry about your dad. He is home with our loving father. I will pray for your mom – she will be just fine knowing her husband is in heaven.
May God bless you and your family.