Private Sorrow – Part 6 “The Epilogue”
Part 6
Epilogue
On my journey home, I drive through Joplin, MO and visit with my friends the Garrett’s. I called Mom to let her know I was OK.
She said Daddy was stronger and doing better today. Mom said that he’d walked all around the house today like he was looking for something. She said, “What are you looking for Carl?”
He said, “I’m looking for my boy.”
I had a wonderful time with the Brother and Sister Garrett. They’re such precious people. Sister Garrett said something to me that helped put everything in perspective. She said, “Maybe your Dad’s condition has allowed you to enjoy some benefits you’d never gotten if he’s died suddenly. Like the precious things he said to you, the charge he gave you, telling you that you’ve been a good boy, and that he wanted to see you in the rapture.”
She was right. With lemons, there can also be lemonade. I counted my blessings and thanked the Lord for cherished memories.
Daddy went home to be with the Lord, September 11, 1994
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 
Bro. Ballestero,
Thank you for sharing such private and real moments of sorrow so openly. As I read, you managed to break through a hardness that I seem to have cultivated in order to cope as the care-giver of my in-laws. I was not sure I would be able to finish reading all 6 parts after part 3, with the weeping that swept over me.
In His care – Redaina
Redaina
February 9, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Even reading it again, I am dissolved in tears. I miss my dad so much, I ache! Thanks for opening your heart & letting me in & for saying what I would like to, but don’t have the words. You are truly amazing.
Carlene
February 9, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Thank you Elder Ballestero for courageously and transparently sharing your journey through this personal valley of sorrow and deep loss. As my wife and I care 24/7 for my godly parents who are each in the final stages of Dementia/Alzheimer’s: we know that this too will pass…and by His grace, someday the sun will shine again. We love you.
VDR
February 9, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Weeping.
Johnny King
February 9, 2010 at 9:12 pm