My Dad - Lloyd G. Smith

My dad, Lloyd G. Smith, was an awesome man. He died in his sleep the morning of October 27, 2009. You can read his obituary here. I will always have the best of fond memories of him. I'm at a loss as to how to really write this blog. I guess I'll just list a very short number of descriptions of my dad!

* A dedicated father.
* A faithful husband.
* A man of God.
* A sports enthusiast.
* An incredibly successful residential developer/contractor.
* A stable man.
* A brilliantstrategist (esp when it came to paying taxes).
* The best 'deal-maker' in Real Estate Sales.
* A professional Shuffleboard 'athlete.'
* A reader of the Bible (I caught him reading all the time as a kid).
* An insanely great supporter of me personally.
* A stellar provider for our family.
* A legacy leaver.

I could go on and on and on about my dad. I really could. It saddens me to no end that I'll never see him again in person on this earth. It hurts deeply. But to know that he is not suffering anymore (end stages of Parkinson's among other illnesses and complications) - well, quite frankly, I'm thrilled for him to be in the presence of our Lord - completely healthy, happy and full of joy. That makes up for my temporary pain.

As dad brings his unique style of humor to God... I can't help but feel that Heaven is a much better place. Not that it was too shabby before... it's just been blessed by his addition. I am forever grateful because Lloyd G. Smith was on this earth.

Thank you all for your kind words & support - but mainly the prayer! For details about the location and times of the viewing and funeral in Lebanon, IN (for as long as they post it), just click here!

Update On My Dad

I do appreciate all of the prayers that have been going up for my dad. He is in the last stages of Parkinsons Disease, along with Pneumonia, broken hip, shoulder, and no real ability to swallow.

The decision was made, per a living will, to not put a feeding tube in. Hospice has moved in to make his last days a real blessing. Basically - anything he wants, he gets. If he wants a Dr Pepper - no problem. They 'thicken it up' so he can try and swallow it. If he wants a taco - great. But they have to puree it in a blender so he can 'drink it' - which is kinda gross.

The plan is for me to leave Monday to help my mom put some family business details in place. I am not sure dad will recognize me - but I did have an absolutely FANTASTIC 'moment' with him on April 23 in Punta Gorda, FL. We prayed while we stood in a full hug and embrace. It was one of the best moments of my life. I really 'blessed' my dad in that prayer - and he blessed me in his authenticity and vulnerability.

Thanks again for the prayers. And please continue to lift up my mom and the family as we adjust to the inevitable. Unless God is planning on doing a miracle (which would be cool), we pray that dad has as little suffering as possible and that his inevitable face to face meeting with Jesus would be as quickly as possible. As I've said before, "I'm jealous!"