Dessert with Grandpa

It was with heavy hearts that we returned from our visit with Grandpa and Grandma tonight. Heavy in that we can see that Grandpa is slipping away. Tonight we saw just how much he has deteriorated since our family gathering last Sunday. We love him so much and it is so hard to watch it all happening bit by bit. We shared dessert together - we had our evening devotions with Grandpa and Grandma. Our precious ones all around. Grandpa prayed. He struggled to get the words out and Grandma helped him to finish his sentences. He prayed to His Maker. We all sat somewhat stunned to hear him struggle to put thoughts together. When he finished praying he apologised "Sorry that I wasn't very articulate!" Oh, Dad, if only you knew that we love you so much - we hate to see it all disappearing for you but we know you are in God's hands. We can only thank our Lord for these precious memories of late - that He has been gracious to let us have some pre-warning before things became too difficult... too difficult to communicate. We don't know how long we have Dad Campbell but things seem to have begun to deteriorate quickly of late.

Mum Campbell has served Dad so faithfully - she is just continuing to spoil him, to love him and
spoil him some more. She knows she must be strong. She realises just how many things she must begin to learn - how to operate the video camera/dvd player, learn the banking procedures, how to operate other technical things... and she picks it up so quickly. Her love for Dad is so evident and so precious. Tonight Dad burst into a little verse from some romantic song and Mum's face lit up. He would have continued only he couldn't remember the rest of the words.

Dad and Mum love others so much and so they have had numerous (that is an understatement!) phone calls each day to see how they are. You mean so much to so many Dad!

We are the next generation - so touched by your Godly example, Dad. I have so much to thank you for in the way you trained your sons. And Lord, that we too may train our children to pass on a foundation of Godliness for the generations after them.

We love you Dad.