Tribute: In Remembrance of Dad 2

連結 (link): 中文版 緬懷李老師 2
2019.05.10 at the Old Town Monrovia Night Market, California (with Mark Twain statue)

During the pandemic, it was difficult to find caregivers for hospital stays or even general care. My brother volunteered to stay in the hospital and take care of our dad for 28 consecutive days (7×24 hours). Thanks to him, we were able to closely monitor Dad’s health condition and recovery progress.

We stayed online for long periods, accompanying each other and discussing countermeasures and strategies every day. I witnessed my brother’s tender love and care for our dad, and I was deeply grateful for both his dedication and his compassion.

After those 28 days, God provided good caregivers for us just in time. Our previous caregiver, Zijuan, and later Mr. Chen Xiaozu, both took excellent care of Dad. Mr. Chen regularly communicated with us through video calls, photos, and videos, allowing us to stay updated on Dad’s condition. This gave us peace of mind and helped us encourage and comfort Dad, easing his loneliness and motivating him in his recovery.

Toward the end, when Dad was infected with COVID-19 by a patient in the next bed, Mr. Chen chose to continue caring for him despite the risk to his own health. We are deeply grateful for his selflessness and once again thank God for His mercy and grace.

2021.07.17 According to the instructions for visiting patients posted by the Taiwan CDC, visiting patients in the hospital is not allowed. Only one family member or caregiver is permitted to stay in the hospital to care for the patient. If the family needs to change the caregiver staying in the hospital, a PCR test is required, and the cost of the test must be paid each time.
2021.07.22 I came across a passage: "There is nothing wrong with God's dealings, and you will soon see His good will." Although I don't fully understand it, I firmly believe that God is speaking to me.
2021.07.21 My younger brother stayed in the hospital to take care of Dad — he is attentive, considerate, and loving.
2021.07.28 — From the hospital ward, my younger brother took a photo of the sunset. He had drawn a cross on the window and felt as if the sky had opened — he saw angels praying.
2022.01.28 Dad worked hard on his rehabilitation with the help of Mr. Chen Xiaozu.
2022.02.22 On the day of the hospital transfer, we were listening to the hymn based on Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me... I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

In the last hour of Dad’s life, his children and grandchildren—no matter where or when—had the opportunity to accompany him online for a while to express their love and appreciation. Isn’t that a grace from God? I often wonder, if everything were going well for us, would we have the chance to experience God’s grace? I don’t want to ask God to impose difficulties on me, but after experiencing His grace repeatedly, my faith has been strengthened and increased. If I encounter difficulties in the future, I know I will not be afraid because I believe in and have experienced this amazing God whom I can trust, knowing He will guide me through all challenges. It hurts to see Dad suffering, but Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 is so thought-provoking.

Here is Ecclesiastes 3:1-14
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

I also have a deep appreciation of this passage which I saw on my dad’s desk. I would like to share it with you: (Here is the hymn link for this poem, you might enjoy it. God is amazing. This link is compiled by the church group that I used to meet.).

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

(To be continued …)

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