" Here's a rule of life: You don't get to pick what bad things happen to you." ~ Rory Miller, American Writer

My dad, Cecil Al Abbott, Sr. 1923-1954

Have you ever wondered what life would be like had not certain things happened? Well, I have, and, from time to time I still wonder. Today is the one we all have and it is before us to get on with it, on this Wednesday, August 13, 2025. When I talk about wondering how things would have been for my mom and us six children had dad not left us suddenly, well, I am aware that our faith informs our understanding. Which, in this case, means only this: I trust in God and He is Sovereign. Some will immediately say that is one big cop out, but, believe me as someone who lived through what was to me an earth shattering experience, well, it is the only one that makes sense. I've heard a few folks say they think had a tragic circumstance not occurred for them and their family, they likely would have either ended up in the penitentiary or an insane asylum. Coming up with stuff like that may make someone feel better but it doesn't do much for me. Dad came down with the flu during Christmas time of 1953. He did not seek medical attention. (As a rule, unless it was really bad, it's just not something we did back in those days.) The flu turned into pneumonia, his lungs filled up with fluid and that led to a cardiac failure and he died. As a result our little clan became the epitome of pitiful. Shocked. Bewildered. Confused. And, when he breathed his last our world and everything in it underwent cataclysmic change. I was 7-1/2 when this happened. I've written quite a bit about missing my dad and how I went through a time where I repeatedly tried to conjure up how his voice sounded. I ended up being brought up under the example and teaching of my mom's dad, my grandfather, Paw Paw Mac. He and Granny Mac became important influences in my young life. But, even though I know that Romans 8:28 doesn't apply to only good things but it does apply to ALL THINGS and how they work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose. I do have clips or you might call them reels using today's vernacular of our family, mom and dad and the six stair step kids doing this, that, and the other. Not long memories, just short bursts. In the end, I'm left with Romans 8:28 and that, my friend, is not a bad place to start with, stay with, and end with. Amen.

 

Ready for Resurrection Day services, 1953.

Don't think for a moment I've not been blessed. I have been, way beyond anything I could have hoped for. This does not mean that our experience wasn't excruciating and painful. It was. I will not lie. It still is up and until this very day. However, God has been with us throughout our journey and we thank Him for His provision along the way. I would share the blessings I could think of, but, believe me, I would likely not remember them all. God has been good to me. I have not always been good to Him, but, He has been faithful. For this and so much more, I give Him the praise and all the glory, in Jesus Name. Amen.