I’m writing this as our family is flying back from western Oklahoma, where we held the funeral for Dayna’s father, James S. Matthews. He died very early the morning of June 2nd from breathing problems. While his health had been declining, the suddenness of his death surprised us all. You can read his obituary HERE.
The time in Oklahoma was honoring and moving. I was able to officiate the funeral, and a Navy honor guard played taps at the graveside service. We talked of his devotion to his wife and family, his faith in Christ, and his love of songs and westerns. It was also good to be with our extended family.
The time there was honoring to her father, but I also want to honor
his daughter, my wife Dayna. This wasn't a week or month long process,
but for over a year she has worked very hard to prepare for her father's
move to Florida, she found and purchased a home for him, looked after
his needs, and drove him to appointments. When his health deteriorated
in the fall, she found a quality assisted living facility, moved him
into it, and worked with the staff and the hospice group to be sure he
had the best care possible. She loved her father well, and he greatly
appreciated her sacrifice. She has been a wonderful daughter to her
father, and it has cost her a lot this year. I'm very proud of her and the way she cared for him. I'm very proud, too, of the kids and the way they helped, especially the last days of his life. And while all of the kids took time to help, visit and talk with James, I also want to say that Macy spent by far the most time with him of any of the kids because she was there with Dayna most of the times she was visiting her Dad! She has been a real trooper through all of this.
Thank you for standing with us, and praying for us as we walk through this time. There is a pall of sadness in our home. We will all miss him greatly.
In His hands,
In Him,
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