Earth Weeps....... Heaven Rejoices

My dear friends,

I received a call from my sweet Mom this morning at 2:30am. As soon as the phone rang, I knew what had happened. My dear Father, John Sims passed away at 9:10am (GMT).

What an amazing and wonderful Father he has been to me during my life. I have only been fortunate to have spent just 40 years with him. Some have spent less with their Fathers, I realize this, but 80 years would not have been long enough for me.

Dad found out on November 28th 2006 (his birthday) that he had a cancerous tumor on his liver. When he called to tell me, I was devastated. He had already gone through surgery for bowel cancer and all I could think was NOT again. He had surgery in the hopes the tumor could be removed, but it wasn't possible due to the tumor being on his diapraghm. He suffered for over 2 years. He died peacefully at home and that was his wish as it was all of us. I remember once asking him if he was afraid to die and he looked at me and said "Nooooooooooooo". He knew without any doubt that he would be going to a better place where he would wait for us to join him. All he was worried about was 'his Val'. I assured him she would be taken care of.

I have learned many wonderful things throughout my life. Dad has taught by example and has done an excellent job in raising his children. He has taught us all to love, to care, to be a friend, to forgive and to endure to the end amongst many other fine things.

I KNOW where he is now. I KNOW he is free from pain, from trial and sorrow and he is being reunited with his loved ones. Amongst the many to welcome him 'home' will be his dear Mother and Father whom he loved with all his heart. He would often tell me how much he missed them and looked forward to seeing them again. He will be with his brothers, Alan and Dave and his sisters, Joyce, Barbara and Janet. He loved his Aunt Ada and all of his other family members. He will be with Lewis and Leah (my cousins children). I am now thinking of how he will meet my Grandmother (Mom's Mother) who he never had the pleasure to meet here on earth as she was just 39 when she passed away from cancer.

My Dad has lived a good life. He has fought a good fight and endured to the very end. He never complained nor questioned and has struggled with cancer since 2000. I have so many memories to share of this wonderful man who touched so many lives and was a true disciple of Christ.

I have saved this picture to post today as it is through Jesus Christ that I now live in hope. I KNOW I will see my Dad again and live with him and my family forever. What a wonderful blessing that is. I KNOW Dad will be with us in our hearts, I can already feel his presence. I can feel his love and will always think of him and the truly wonderful memories. I thank God for blessing me with a Father who has led a good life, who has been true to his covenants, to his God, and his wife. My Mother was his life. He wanted to spend every minute of every day with her.

My Parents would have celebrated their 47th anniversary this March (31st). My Mother has been so wonderful in taking care of his every need. She is a true angel. What a blessing to have such wonderful parents and to know they can live together forever. I love Michael, Rebecca and Jared and know they realize just as much as me what a wonderful Father we were TRULY blessed with.



Please continue to join me as I share fondest memories of my Dad, my Hero and Friend. If you have a memory or a comment you would like to share, please e-mail me at maxbritchick@yahoo.com I would love to post them.

Even if you did not know Dad, I am sure this blog has touched your life.

Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

"We love you Dad"