I have said a few times that Jim Colledge is one of the best men I know. That is true. But my dad is the best man that I have ever known. Yesterday in the early morning I walked in to find my dad sitting on his bathroom floor unresponsive. He had an aneurysm burst near his brain stem. There is no one I know who is more ready for heaven. He has talked about it for years. Every morning my mother and he raise their orange juice glasses and toast and say, "Today may be the day". They did it Saturday morning. Sunday morning, instead of the toast, my dad was in ICU teetering on the brink of glory. I find myself in between two rather profound places. At times I am at peace in the midst of a faith that burns like the noon day sun. My dad has secured not only his legacy on earth but Christ has secured his place in heaven. There is a wonderful hope there. My brother came in last night and we have laughed more than we have cried together. The other place I find myself is the place of profound sadness. I am a little boy who is about to lose his hero and even as I type that sentence tears leap from my eyes. It is a strange place to be. There is something so real and so solid in this place. This is where life, real life happens. It is where the impact of a single life hits both this world and the world to come. I sit on the line that separates us from eternity and I sit there with the man who has influenced my life more than any other. I love my dad. He loves the Lord. It does not get much better than that.
Monday, October 19, 2009
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16 comments:
My thoughts and prayers are with your father and your family.
Prayers from Florida Joe.
Martin & Karen Sandel
My thoughts and prayers are with your dad and your family. Pastor Roland is an amazing man- he saved our family and we will forever be grateful.
Dear Coffee Family,
Roland was a true blessing to me and my family when my husband was very ill. He came to visit Glenn at our home and at hospice. With each visit be shared God's grace, comfort and strength. I am praying for Roland and your family. Now is the time to let your faith shine.
Pam Miller
To truly live, we are called to be love and to be Christ to all of our brothers and sisters here on earth. The Roland Coffey I know, lived this life. As I spent day and night next to my father in hospice, his eyes, and mine, always lit up when we would see Roland come around the corner into the room. He'd hold my Dad's hand, pray with him and hug my family members. He was a messenger of hope, and God's unrelenting love and grace. There is nothing more beautiful and inspiring than to see a grown man living out his unique purpose, an expression of love that he alone was created for. The life, the journey, the adventure with Christ that was uniquely Roland's. Created perfectly by our Father. Joe, my prayers are with you, your Dad and the rest of your family in this very difficult time. No matter what happens, we can all rejoice in the fact that Roland brought the Kingdom to everyone who crossed his path. I thank God for him, and know that he is pleased. His will be done. Amen.
-Beau
Oh, Joe. How my heart breaks for you now. No matter how ready Roland is, we are never ready. I pray that our Lord gives you the "peace that passes understanding," and will guard your heart and mind in Christ.
Love,
The LaNasas
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Sweetest name I know.
Lifting you all up to our Father. Truly, He knows best.
Words can't express how sad I am that this happened to your dad. I can't begin to tell you how much your mom and dad mean to me. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you - please let your mom know how deeply sorry I am.
Joe and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Pastor Joe:
I want to Thank your Father, Roland for enriching all of our lives @ HCC, and giving us a Wonderful Pastor in you!! Love and prayers to your entire family from your entire flock!!!!!!
Our family is praying for you, and your family. Your dad's illness brought back vivid memories of my husband losing his dad to cancer, and how my heart ached for him seeing him lose his hero on earth. What a blessing that you, like my husband, had and have, such great role models to pattern your lives after. God Bless.
Just wanted to share what I heard from Joe's daughter on Facebook - apparently Roland woke up this morning and was almost breathing on his own. he was squeezing both hands. As of around 3:30, the update was that he is completely breathing on his own, talking and joking! He put his hearing aids in when he had trouble hearing Joe! The comprehension and dexteririty it took to do that is a true blessing. They are expecting a full recovery quickly. A true miracle and a true testament of our Lord!!! Praise Jesus!
Joe,
From the day I first met your father years ago, there was something in his handshake that comforted my soul and brought a smile to face. The shoulder hug he gave me at our band of brothers a few weeks ago solidified how real and passionate he is about men and more important, his Savior. I know you will always stand firm and find comfort in that. At this time, for you to take the time and write what you have on this morning proves that he has prepared himself and you to leave a mark and leave behind a true legacy. If can hear the Lord already saying, "Roland Coffey, well done my good and faithful servant!" Joe, you are part of that legacy that he has completed, an admiral job and a job well done. I take pride in saying how fortunate I am to know your dad and just as fortunate to know and rub shoulders with his legacy. Your family is continually in our prayers as we will pray selfishly for a full recovery. Love ya brother as you continue to find the strength in the arms of Gods Amazing Grace.
Jerry Gruszewski & Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet father. I know the feelings you speak of all too well. I am encouraged by the lastest update on your father. Great news. We will pray him through this! May you be blessed with the peace that only HE understands.
Pastor Joe,
I am not a blogger but I needed to let you know my heart and prayers are with you and your family.
We have all been blessed that God put a man like your father to walk among us. His incredible ability to be an instrument for God and share his teachings is evidenced in his family and the many lives he has touched over the years.
I am especially thankful for the amazing impact he had on my husband Lindsey Washington. Through his unique humor, literary gifts, knowledge of the word and devout faith, he was a role model and mentor for other men striving to be more like Jesus.
My heart is heavy and I don't know what I can do, but just know my prayers are ongoing for you and your family, especially your mother Joan. I pray that God will just wrap his arms around her as she face these challenging days.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Roman 15:13 NIV
Yes, your Dad often expessed his joy at one day going to his heavenly home but we can still hope that God will let him stay with us just a little longer. Perhaps his work here is not yet done.
Wenifort Washington
Emmanuel and I are praying for you and your family!
Mary and Emmanuel Agbovi
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