Daddy's Hands

A song that I never thought would have so much meaning in my life as it does today, and every day after.
Since I was little my mom would always tell me I had my dad's hands, and how pretty they were.
"You're lucky you didn't get my ugly hands, thank your dad!"
Did I ever take the time to thank for him for such a silly thing?
Unfortunately I did not. I should have.

His hands were the hands of a worker.
A gardener.
A fixer.
A dad.

As I held my daddy's hands today for as long as time would allow on his death bed, I DID see the resemblance my mom had always talked about time and time again. My dad was the smartest man I have ever met, and I know I will never meet anyone who can compare to his wisdom. He was the only to answer all Jeopardy questions right (every night), I think some may have read in my sister's Blog.
He was there for absolutely everybody he loved when they were sick. Took care of them from start to finish whether they healed or God decided it was their time.

My dad has done many miraculous things with those dear hands.
"Cut the cord of a child.
Built things.
Fixed things.
Turned the pages of a Bible.
Placed a ring on one's finger."

My dad's hands are so exactly the correct lyrics to that song:

"I remember Daddy's hands folded silently in prayer, And reaching out to hold me when I had a nightmare. You could read quite a story in the callouses and lines. Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.

I remember Daddy's hands, How they held my Mama tight, And patted my back for something I'd done right. There are things I've forgotten that I loved about that man, But I'll always remember the love in Daddy's hands.

Daddy's hands, were soft and kind when I was crying. Daddy's hands, were hard as steel when I'd done wrong. Daddy's hands weren't always gentle, But I've come to understand, There was always love in Daddy's hands.

I remember Daddy's hands working till they bled, Sacrificed unselfishly just to keep us all fed. If I could do things over, I'd live my life again, And never take for granted the love in Daddy's hands.

Daddy's hands, were soft and kind when I was crying. Daddy's hands, were hard as steel when I'd done wrong. Daddy's hands weren't always gentle, But I've come to understand, There was always love in Daddy's hands."

I will miss him to no extent. I will be forever heartbroken that this is how he had to go. I will be heartbroken that Bear [who he loved sooo much, probably more than my brother and I put together :)] will not be able to see him in his older days (Bear's older days). Will not be able to learn the things my dad knows. Will not be able to experience that light he brought to everyone he ever met.

This is not what my dad wanted.
He was suppose to live forever.
Plans change.

I am praying I can stay as strong as I am to be able to post what I so badly wish I did not have to post.

I love you dad. Always have, always will.
Forever... Until the end.
I Promise.

(You were the one I always bragged about that I can call/text whenever to ask a question and you would have my answer).
Who shall I ask now?

He had just got done helping someone else out to fix their car (why they are a bit greasy, as they sometimes were on most weekends).

I'll always remember those rugged, yet soft hands.