On the day that I went down to the fairgrounds in hopes of getting the boys bikes Faith was at the store picking out her fathers suit. You see Faith’s father had went home to be with our Heavenly Father and she had the task to pick out the shirt, tie, socks, jacket, etc.
I remembered like it was yesterday going into Marshalls to pick out my dads shirt and tie for his home going service. I remembered how sad I was having to shop for my dad, one last time. Because I knew how it felt I didn’t want Faith to have those same feelings.
Faith had gone to two stores and didn’t have any luck picking out a suit for her dad. She called me and told me she was going to head to Burlington. Thankfully I had finished up my morning errands and called and told her I was on the way. She hasn’t asked for me to come but I know how hard it is and I didn’t want her to be alone.
When I arrived at Burlington I didn’t see her. After speaking with her on the phone I was able to see her. She didn’t know I was behind her the whole time so I watched her look at the pieces of clothing she had in her hand.
We looked at price tags, pink shirts, white shirts, blue jacket, grey pants, this coat, that tie…. Faith said the price didn’t matter but I encouraged her to be sensible- although she wanted her dad to look nice we could still find a nice outfit while searching for something more affordable.
After about twenty or thirty minutes Faith finally found the perfect combination. Her smile was so refreshing!
I’m glad she was able to find him something nice. Faith quickly remembered she still had to get a white undershirt and under garments. I told her Burlington was not the best place to get those items so she should go to Citi Trends. Her eyes got big when I told her I could meet her at Citi Trends if she needed to.
Faith said she was hungry so I offered to have lunch with her because again at a time such as important and sensitive as this- who would want to be alone. She chose Waffle House. We laughed, we shared, we smiled, we ate, we were in food Heaven. Everything was perfect. Her smile was perfect!
For a few moments Faith seemed happy. She was content. I’m glad I was able to be there for her during this time because again having to do it by yourself is something no one should have to do. Even the strongest of strong people need someone to lean on as well.
I was so proud of Faith. Her strength inspired me. She never complained. She never asked why Junior or Charity couldn’t do it; instead she took on the task with such grace.
Tuesday morning encouragement: God never gives us a task without the skills and strength to do it. Her equips us with all the tools even if we don’t know we possess them.
With so many loved ones being sick or passing away we are tasked with picking up the pieces and making the final decisions on behalf of our loved ones. It’s hard planning and managing all of that when we have so much other stuff going on but thank God for His strength. Thank God for His wisdom. Thank God for God.
Now I don’t know what you may be facing this morning but I do know that you don’t have to face it alone. God is with you every step of the way.
I want to encourage each of us to take whatever task or command that God gives to us and display strength, courage, and faith to see it through to the end. I want to encourage us to allow Faith’s story of shopping for her father one last time to inspire us to go forth and prosper with what it is that we must do. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Thanks for being a hero Faith- I know Mr. Clarence is smiling down on you. God bless you horse nose; this one is for you!
And I thank you for being there with me. Well for one, I am not a good person to pick out clothes :). I either buy a set that is already put together or it’s basic jeans and t-shirt. So getting my Father’s last suit was something that I didn’t think that was that hard. Boy was I wrong. When I went into Burlington, I walked over to the suit section and started looking a what I thought were suites, but just jackets with price tags of $79.99 and up. Sheesh for the jacket only? Then I was like bump it I don’t care, This is for my Father and this will be his last suit he will ever be in….and it dawned on me….wait, what? The last suit he will ever be in. Then the tears immediately initiated like just an unexpected forecast of rain. My sobs were muffled some sort because of the required mask. All eyes were on me….everyone that walked by, that was across picking out clothes, little kids seeing me and pointing Mommy, she is crying. I tried to stop, I really did…but there was no off button. The store associate was watching me for some time and came over and asked if he could be of assistance to me. I nodded sobbing and then he asked if he may why am I so upset. I told him about my Dad having Cancer and him passing away. He gave me his condolences and asked me what was his favorite color. I told him he really didn’t have a favorite color. So He suggested 2 or 3 shirts and some pretty nice ties. I was calm after that. He asked if he could further assist me. I told him that my best friend was on her way. His eyes looked with concern and he rubbed my shoulder and said OK well I will be over here if you need me. I said ok. I just loved in that moment that the young man’s eyes showed true concern for a stranger. That gave me some comfort. While I waited on Whitnee to arrive I picked out some more shirts and ties, and pants, taking pictures sending them to my main fashion designer stylist I’ve had my whole life (Deanna Daniels) Yes. Yes. I know…I am terrible with clothes, picking them out. So while she gave me her opinion, I held on to what she said yes to until Whitnee arrived. I guess when you’re grieving, you don’t really know what you look like. I bet I looked like I needed some sleep when she saw me. She didn’t say but her concern for me showed. Well about 20 minutes later we were in check out line and out the door. WHeew!!! Now that was off my hands….I wanted to eat. We decided on the Awful or you may know it as the Waffle House(had some bad experiences there; some good too). And it just so happen to be the one where Whitnee and her Father would go to eat often. Now I know I can eat but I was emotionally hungry as well. I am not ashamed to tell you what I ordered….hashbrown bowl with philly steak, a waffle, and a bowl of cheese grits, and coffee. Did I eat it all…..not it one sitting but it served it’s purpose, plus I loved that atmosphere. I was so uplifting and joyful, the employees there knew how to keep the atmosphere positive. Plus the conversations Whitnee and I had were so harmonious. Oh I needed that. Our laughter reminded me of when we were in grade school. Whitnee has a joyous, soulful laughter that makes you laugh….You know it’s funny when you have to close your eyes and laugh. That’s my Whitnee all Day!!! Got to love her! Well when we were finished, we parted ways and I am so grateful for a friend like her. Also I don’t want to leave out my praying sisters from the support group. I love each and every one of you. And also the text from Kelly, she felt me and I was heavy on her heart. I am glad that I am surrounded by such a loving family. Seems like when God takes someone from you. He sends many to comfort and support you. And I am just so grateful and know that I will support all of you as well. I love you all.
Thanks for the beautiful rendition of this special, sacred time. It was a privilege and honor to be there with you while you picked out your dads last suit.
Well since you told people what you ate I guess it’s my time to spill the beans: I had a triple bacon, egg, and cheese bacon hash brown bowl with grilled onions and a side of sausage gravy that just so happened to cover the whole bowl with a cup of coffee (5 creamers and a hefty amount of sugar). There you all had it- I had a big girl plate that I was able to eat off of twice and it was sooooo good.
While we shopped, talked, laugh, ate, etc. it did remind me of grade school. All the beautiful memories helped to comfort us both during this time.
Even though it was hard for you I thank you for making it look easy and allowing me to be in your space during this time.
I love you horse nose.