All Part of God’s Plan

 

For the past ten months, since the pandemic started, I have sat in prayer every morning, praying for my family and friends to all stay healthy and free of this virus. When we reached November, I was so grateful that my family had remained healthy so we could all meet for my nephew’s wedding in Phoenix. My parents, all eight siblings, and families met together in Phoenix. The sunset was beautiful that evening, with the desert as a majestic background. We took that opportunity to take a family photo of all eight siblings and our parents. Little did I know, at the time, the significance of that photo and how it would become a treasure for us all.

In late December, well after our time together, my mom tested positive for COVID-19, and then my father also became sick with it. My brother, a doctor in Phoenix, traveled to Nevada to bring my parents back to his house so that he could care for them. As my mother recovered, my father became worse. About a week later, my dad was admitted to the hospital. Our lives became a roller coaster of emotions during the time my father was in the hospital. Thinking he was getting better but realizing there was not much improvement. I spoke to my dad every day, and he never complained. He was always concerned about our well-being, which was true to his character. As I look back to that time, which seems so long ago but was just a few weeks ago, I will cherish those memories of those phone conversations.

As my father’s lungs kept worsening, the need for oxygen increased. He was moved to a new room on a different floor, where he received more oxygen. Each day, my dad’s only wish was to come home. He just wanted to be with my mom and see his family again. This is another example of his character and the priorities he placed so dear to his heart. On January 22, the prognosis we had been dreading came true. My dad’s condition was not getting better, and his time with us was limited. My dad’s wishes of coming home were fulfilled. My brother arranged for hospice, and they transported my dad to my brother’s house on the night of January 23. All his children and most of his grandchildren traveled from near and far to gather to greet my dad when he came home.

There were times when I prayed and would get so angry at God because my prayers to keep everyone healthy and virus-free were not answered. It wasn’t easy to remain faithful when my Dad was not getting better, but I was reminded of the words that Dr. Tony Evans said shortly after the passing of his niece. ” I have seen God work so often in my life that I know he is listening to me.” So even when it doesn’t seem like He is there and listening, He has shown his faithfulness enough times in my life that I know He is. I prayed for my Dad’s suffering to end and for God’s will to be done. But I dreaded saying that prayer because I knew His will to end my Dad’s suffering may not have the same outcome that I wanted. But what happened in Dad’s last days showed us a faithful God who works according to His plan in our lives.

From when my dad came home, there was beauty in every moment. Considering the circumstances, I know that seems hard to believe, but it is so true. God’s plan for my father’s life was on display, and our blessings were abundant. When my dad arrived at my brother’s that night, we all surrounded him, and he looked at us with a big smile. He just kept saying with awe, ” Amazing!”. He was overjoyed to be home and humbled that we were all there for him. He addressed everyone by name and asked for those who were not there. He did not forget any of his children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren.

On Sunday, we had a wonderful day with Dad. Each family member had the opportunity to talk to him and tell him how much they loved him and the impact he made on their lives. He was coherent, and he could reply. The exchange between Dad and each child or grandchild was precious for everyone. God gave my dad that gift, and He provided us all with a lasting memory and gift to help us cope with the imminent loss of our patriarch. It was such a beautiful day. We played our parent’s wedding song, “Memories are made of this” by Dean Martin. He was so happy to hear that song- a smile radiated from his face the whole time. It was wonderful. We played other hymns and worship songs like Amazing Grace- my Dad’s favorite. We sang together, held hands surrounding Dad, and prayed over him.

Dad asked the priest from the local Catholic church to come and administer his Last Rites. When he asked for that, I knew time was not on our side, but what a blessing it was for my Dad. Father David came, and we allowed him and my mom to be with Dad. We listened from the other room and prayed with them. Dad took Communion and spoke to Father David in his typical fashion and asked him about his life. As always, he was more concerned about others than himself. When Father David left, he told Dad he would pray for him, and Dad replied that he would also pray for Father. My dad managed to touch every person he met, even in those final weeks of his life, from Father David to the healthcare workers at the hospital. Everyone at the hospital loved him and said he was a kind man. My nephew’s wife shared what one of her friends stated:” If he turned one person to Jesus during his time there, then it was all worth it.” It is so true, and I can guarantee that Dad managed to do it. His strong faith was a constant light that penetrated through the darkness, and I know it helped many people throughout his lifetime find Jesus.

Sunday was the most beautiful day- from Dad’s laughter and jokes to his endearing words to Mom and his contentment to be with each child and grandchild; his wishes were fulfilled. He could see and talk to each of us, and we had the opportunity to do the same. He so eloquently made us laugh and showed us how proud he was of us. He asked for his favorite white Yankee socks that said, ” You are looking at the World’s Biggest Yankee Fan.” He wanted to enjoy his favorite chocolate custard ( ice cream). We were allowed to give him all of his last wishes. What a blessing for us all. There is no way that I can think of all those things and not know that God was present in every moment. This was all a part of his grand plan. It is so comforting to me to know that Dad’s life ended in such a beautiful and wondrous way.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, ” He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from the beginning to end.”

God’s plan for Dad’s life was made before he was born. As Dad walked through life, God revealed things in His timing. We do not see the results from His plan ahead of time. We need to walk by faith, and Dad did that so gracefully. He trusted and prayed for blessings to be bestowed upon others. Dad was a father who prayed for his family every night, and I genuinely believe that the blessings we have in our lives result from those prayers of goodness.

God’s plan for Dad’s life led him to Mom and an almost 65-year marriage that was a true love story. His plan created eight wonderful children who learned from Dad’s lessons and wisdom. God’s plan led Dad on a solid faith journey that turned many people to Christ. His plan designed a life where he led by example and taught his children and grandchildren to do the same. God’s plan ensured that Dad had a doctor for a son, nurses for a wife and two daughters, and a physician’s assistant for a son-in-law who would all care for him in the last weeks and days of his life. His plan allowed those loved ones to get COVID-19 before Dad so they could bring him to Phoenix and care for him without the risk of getting sick themselves. God’s plan brought all his children and grandchildren together so they could be with him on his last days. His plan brought a daughter-in-law into his life who selflessly opened up her home to him and the whole family during this difficult time. God’s plan allowed Dad to come home from the hospital and live his final days surrounded by family. His plan allowed his wife to lay beside him and have those final loving moments together. God’s plan brought his family together in a final prayer before we saw him leave for the last time. God made everything beautiful in its time. Dad’s life was beautiful. We can all learn about his faith, kindness, compassion, honesty, and humility.

In my sadness and sorrow, I can’t help but feel joy for God giving my family such a wonderful father. We were blessed with a man who walked selflessly and humbly through life. I will miss him for the rest of the days I have here on Earth, but I will also be forever grateful for the time I had with him and for the Angel that we have gained. I know he will continue to watch over us and teach us.

One of the greatest gifts my Dad left us with is his love for family. The family was his first priority. We have always been a close-knit family, but this past week has brought us even closer together. That is definitely what he would want. So, we will continue his legacy by loving one another and being there for each other.

So, going back to that picture taken in November with the majestic sunset in the Arizona desert—another part of God’s plan—He knew that it would become a meaningful treasure to us, a time we will cherish as we continue this life with our Dad looking over us.

Dedicated to James Anthony Levins – June 11, 1932- January 26, 2021