Tribute to My Father ~ Claude B Redman

Today is the anniversary of my father's death. It has been 8 long, (yet somehow very short) years. SO... In honor of him I had to share what we read at his funeral. The first was written by my Brother, Larri to try and relay to others what kind of man our father was....

Our father was a man who could speak on levels with anyone - Poet, writer, clergy or teacher.
He was always the one to lead us in Thanks or Prayer at Thanksgiving or Christmas family dinners.
He was well versed on the Bible as any minister or as well versed in sports as any athlete.
He was a man who never spoke unkindly about any person.
He was a man who loved his wife and loved each of his seven children equally, even though each is different.
He was a man who was always faithful and honest to his wife, family and friends.
Even if we didn't realize at the time, he was a role model to his children and maybe that is why not one has ever moved away from the area.
He was always there for support or guidance at all times - day or night, year after year.
He will be missed always.
As great a man and father that he was to us, his Lord and Savior must have needed him also.

One of the many talents I admired most of my father was his gift of writing and poetry. I read a poem that he wrote for my mother a month before they were married. They celebrated 50 wonderful years together on earth! I think this poem says it all.....

For Dolores....

Love of Mine Oh Soul divine,
That makes mine fill with singing.
Joyous heart Let's never part,
Until life goes a winging.

And then once more on other shores
Let's meet again forever,
And pledge a new
That love so true
Which death itself can't sever.

Claude B. Redman ~ February 1948

Dad, It took me a long time to come to terms with your death!! For almost 8 years I went without completely grieving because I had to stay strong for Mom and try to hold things together. It became too much to bear. I have to say there are three things that made me finally come to full circle and complete that grieving process, though not a day will go by that I won't miss you dearly!!

First, was watching the Movie "End of the Spear" and how the Missionaries gave their lives to bring Christ to a people whom desperately needed to hear God's word. They gave their lives unselfishly!! The same way that you gave your life to your children and to your wife.

Second, was when I finally for the first time sat at your grave and had a one to one conversation with you! I finally got a lot of things said and a lot of emotions and tears shed that I had not done before.

And lastly was hearing a question that Tony Dungy had posed to him in relation to his son who had died. "KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT HEAVEN...HOW PERFECT IT IS, HOW PAIN FREE AND BEAUTIFUL... WOULD YOU BRING HIM BACK?"

That brought me to tears and of course my answer was NO!! I could not bring you back from Heaven! That would not be fair! That would be cruel!!

Father God, I pray that you and my earthly father are having a wonderful time in heaven and that you have made a special place for the rest of us who will follow! I can't wait for the day that our family will be together again in your Glorious House!
In Jesus Name, Amen