This week has been a week of many tears mixed in with some rejoicing. Daudy D. went to be with the Lord early Thursday morning. This is what he wanted for a long time. To live with Jesus!!!
Daudy D. had a stroke nine years ago and he went from working every day, all day to not working at all! No more driving. No more sharpening mower blades for the family. His stroke took a lot of his abilities away from him but he still remained the grateful, full of compassion and mercy, meek man!!! I have many, many great memories of him! Growing up being right next door neighbors, I got to see our grandparents often!!! I loved it that way!
I remember going to market with Daudy. He owned a few food stands but I helped out in the drink stand. Jody and I would pour gallon drinks into smaller containers and then sell them to costumers. I remember combing Daudy's hair in their living room. He would sit in his recliner and let us wet his hair and just comb through it. I remember going to Rehoboth Beach with the whole Dienner family and Daudy loved the sun and sand!!! He loved pretzels and cheese, chocolate milk and meadow tea, iced tea, peanut butter crackers, milk and toast, music and ice cream! Most of all, he LOVED JESUS!!! And he lived this out! He never got upset and mad. He talked about his born again experience. About how Jesus was his best friend. Daudy would never raise his voice in anger but would calmly help make things better. He was the most patient man I'll ever know!
Daudy was a man that pinched his pennies. He loved bargains and deals. He managed his money well but was never stingy to give it away. He helped others.
Mommy D. stood right beside Daudy while he was recovering from his stroke. She helped him do therapy. She was now the driver to go anywhere they went. She cared for him even after her open heart surgery and two knee replacements. In the past year, she did so much for him and cared for him!!! Daudy loved his wife and called her his best friend! He was always so grateful that Mommy cared for him! It was hard for her to see his body shutting down and even though he was very vocal about his love for Jesus and how he couldn't wait to go to heaven, it was still so hard to actually see him die. To know that he wouldn't be home with Mommy anymore. I was blessed to see her tenderness for him in those last days and throughout all the funeral arrangements. She loved him too and is now having to live the rest of her life without him.
The last words he spoke to me was on Monday. I went for a short visit knowing that he wouldn't be here on earth much longer. I went up to his bedside and said, "Hi Daudy, how are you?" He opened his eyes and said, "Good." "Did you eat lunch today?" He replied, "Good supper." I could tell in his voice that he was very weak. He really hadn't eaten supper. The last time he ate was on Sunday. I told him to rest and to sleep good. I made another stop on Wednesday. This time the nurse came out but there was no more talking or much responding from Daudy. The family was only trying to keep him comfortable. His body was shutting down. I went up to him right before leaving their home and tears just welled up. I knew it might be the last time I would see him alive here on earth. I touched his tender hands. I wanted to say something but only tears filled my eyes.
He died peacefully early the next morning. It's sad to see a loved one go on into eternity but I had to keep reminding myself that this is really what he wanted! Living forever, and ever, and ever with Jesus!
It was Mommy's request that Daudy's body would come back to her home on Thursday afternoon and evening and let family come and view and remember and cry together. It was a really wonderful, tough, neat time! Precious times with family and Mommy! It broke my heart when she stood in her garage and watched the undertaker load up his casket and leave. She said that this would be the last time he would be there and she cried. We all did. Hadassah and Matthew were on her front porch with tears and tears. This was a special man in their lives too even though he was a great grandfather to them. He was their friend.
Friday was an emotional day with the viewing and spending more time remembering things about Daudy. We spent the afternoon and evening with family and those who loved him.
Saturday was the funeral. More tears flowed as we saw him one last time before closing the casket. And then going outside in the hot, hot sun and lowering his casket in the ground. All the grandchildren and great grandchildren put roses on top of his casket. We all took turns shoveling dirt.
Daudy D. (which by the way ... Hadassah was the one to give him this title. We used to all call him Daudy Dienner but when she was a toddler and started to talk, she called him Daudy D.. And that's when we all started calling him this too.), was a special man and we will never, ever forget him. His legacy will live on. His tender heart and patience and humbleness will forever be a challenge to me!!!
Please join us in praying for Mommy! This will be a huge, huge change for her. She did so much for him! And now living all alone, without him, will be tough.
We love you so much Daudy D.. You were an inspiration in my life!!!
Be strong in the faith Mommy D.!!! Jesus knows all your feelings. He knows when you cry. He loves when you ask him for help. We love you so much and thank you for loving and caring for Daudy for all these years!!! Your reward will be so great when you get to meet Daudy in heaven!!! I am so proud of you!
We love you!!!!
