Farewell to my father
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Shall we read something and then pray, I asked. I proposed to read the end of Romans 8. My father nodded. I knew the glorious end of Romans 8 had been the wedding text for my parents. I was drawn to a verse a bit earlier in that chapter, verse 18, where it says…. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” I read it slowly and I looked up to see how those words had landed. My father nodded. Hands folded. Silent acceptance. ‘Yes, that’s how it is…..’ My father had journeyed in all sorts of ways. This was significant. The almost businesslike acceptance by him. Trusted assurance of ‘glory to be revealed’. Eternal glory enfolding and surpassing temporary suffering. A vast blue expanse, enfolding a new hospital building full of temporary suffering of various kinds. This hospital room held like my car…. The cumulative suffering still small in comparison to the enfolding glory. How wonderful to see that reality. What fuel for our hope. One text for his funeral surely.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Paul Vrolijk recalls the last two months of his father’s life and the two months that followed his funeral in Farewell to my father.
His experience included the emptying and selling of a family home that had been in the family for half a century.
The book serves as a touching account of familial love, memories from youth, doubt and faith, God’s love and faithfulness working in and through all things, and the love and care of a village community. Moreover, it’s a celebration of gratitude.
The author’s story encourages readers to think about what it means to die well, as well as what needs to be said and done when someone comes to the end of their life. It also serves as a helpful guide on what to expect if you’re preparing for the death of a loved one.
The book serves as a bold proclamation that “nothing can separate us from the love of God.” In fact, God is always working even amid suffering, dying, and all the practical details that must be considered when someone dies
About the Author
Paul Vrolijk is a Dutch Anglican priest currently living and working in Brussels, Belgium. He is also an ICF accredited coach. Paul is the founder of Christilience.org, a nonprofit that helps people find clarity and strength for their journeys. Paul is married and has four children, two of which are still living at home. Paul is passionate about helping people reach their God-given potentials for Jesus Christ in full.
For more information, visit www.Christilience.org.