Goodbye Dad
My Dad, Chuck Sellers, passed away February 4, 2013 after a year and a half battle with cancer. For more information on his battle with cancer, see his CaringBridge page. He was buried in Savannah, Georgia on Saturday.
I feel the need to write something here about this, but struggle with what to say. I miss him greatly. I am sad that I won't get to see him again. I am even sadder that my girls won’t get to have him around any more. His dad, my grandfather, died when I was a little kid as well, so I know what it's like to have a grandfather that everyone thinks the world of but you didn’t get to have around as you mature.
I am comforted that his struggle is over. The past year has been awful. He was amazingly strong as he endured both the onslaught of cancer and the effects of its treatment. By the end, he was ready to go. He could no longer live life and was in constant pain. While I never wanted to lose him, I’m glad his pain is gone.
I am also comforted knowing that he is now in Heaven. I don’t really understand what that means, and don’t believe any of us can understand it with our Earthly perspective. But I believe that Salvation is real and in Dad’s case, I believe he has indeed been saved. It’s hard to know what someone else holds in their hearts, but Dad made it clear what he held to through his words and his deeds.
It’s upsetting to lose such a great example of what we should be. I hope I can live up to the example he set. He was a model of consistency, unwavering in his devotion to his family, his country, and those around us who he took under his wing. I’ve tried through my life to be like that, and I want to be even more like Dad in the future.
So, goodbye Dad. I’m incredibly sad to see you go, and will do my best to emulate you as my little family grows up.
Beautiful Chad, what a tribute to your father. Every dad wants their sons to emulate them and yours succeeded. I think Uncle Chuck accomplished Gods will for his life. I told Caroline at grandaddys that I hate that it takes a funeral sometimes to get to know someone better. Wish I could have known your dad better. He was a remarkable man, thank you for sharing your thoughts, we will continue to keep you and your family lifted up in prayer.
God bless,
Holly
I’m so so sorry for your loss, Chad & Jen. I will pray for your family as you go thru this hard time.
Dear Chad and Jenn,
I’m so sad to read this because its so painful when our parents pass away but as the days and months pass by I will be lifting you and all of your family up to our amazing God for comfort and peace. I didn’t know your dad very well but I have no doubt that he was an amazing man because of the man you are today Chad. You and Jenn are such wonderful parents and I know how proud your dad was of you!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Such a beautiful tribute to your dad.
Love to you both,
Susan
Chad –
I’m so sorry for yours and your family’s loss. Thinking of you and praying for peace during this time.
Jenn
Chad – I was 33 when Earle died. I felt like I aged 5 years that day. And I still don’t know which hurt more, losing a great man who was my best friend or knowing that the birth of my daughter was still 6 months away and he would never get to play with her. That both my children would not get to know the man who was so influential in my life.
I wondered how, as a father, I was going to be equal to the task. Over the years, I have discovered that I learned the lessons better than I thought and that the spirit of my father has lived on through me. Despite greatly different paths, my father and I are much more alike because of the values that we cherished and the faith that we share. For me, the pain of the loss took years to subside, but what kept me grounded was knowing that I would see him again.
You have demonstrated much love and much leadership over the past year. You have faced what no one should face with courage and grace. I believe you have already surpassed his (high) expectations, and right now Sharkey, Ed and your dad are telling everyone they can find!
With Kindest Regards,
John