Testimony

My dad has a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is a very reflective man.  During his first stay in the hospital, he wrote down his testimony.  He made mention that he didn't know if he was going to be able to share it (at the time his diagnosis was still new and we had no idea what to expect), but wanted to record it.

The first of the month is Fast and Testimony meeting in our church.  Members fast for two meals and have the opportunity to share their testimony during Sacrament meeting, the first hour of church.

The first testimony meeting my dad was well enough, we all gathered as a family to listen to him share his testimony.  I felt so grateful to be able to hear him.

Each fast and testimony meeting following that Sunday, he bore his testimony as he was able.  His words were written and well thought out, always testifying of the Savior.

By the end of August my dad was getting sick more frequently.  About a week before fast and testimony in September, my dad was hospitalized with an infection.  He frequently expressed his desire to be released in time for Sunday so he could bear his testimony.  We were taking it day by day.  By the end of the week, it was looking like he would not be released.  The doctor was not comfortable releasing my dad in his condition.  On Saturday, we were informed that the doctor was going to allow my dad to be released for a few hours on Sunday so that he could bear his testimony.

Sunday came and he got all dressed in his suit and went to bear his heart felt testimony.  I was full of emotion as I held my dad's arm and helped walked him up to the stand.  We were blessed that my dad had enough strength to stay for testimony meeting.

After he was able to spend a short time at home before returning back to the hospital.  He spent his time downstairs on the couch (he was extremely fatigued and didn't want to risk contracting any new illness), while our families enjoyed our time together upstairs.

I was able to go downstairs and have a very precious conversation with him.  I went down to hold his hand and just be with him, but he ended up wanting to share in conversation.  He mentioned how nice it was to hear the pitter patter of his grandchildren's feet.

I loved being able to have that personal time with him before he went back to the hospital.