Losing a parent...

Last week we received a phone call that no one ever wants to receive. Eric's father, Howard, passed away on Tuesday, June 5th at the age of 60. He had been in bad health for several years...much of it brought on by poor habits, but nonetheless this was devastating to Eric. This was his father. No one, regardless of the situation, wants to face losing a parent. There were tons of "should have", "could have" thoughts going through his head. But, thankfully the grace of God abounds. Knowing that Howard had made a profession of Jesus a few years back, and Eric actually had the privilege of baptising him, was the only thing that comforted the family during this time.

This was the first time that our boys have lost a "close" family member. They knew Granddaddy Howard, and had the chance to spend some time with him over the years, but not real quality time. This is what upset them the most. They desired and thought that they should have had a closer relationship with him since he was their grandfather. What they do know and will remember is fond times with him...most recently seeing him at Thanksgiving this past year.

This whole week has really made me reflect and look at how much quality time we spend together as a family. Our days are numbered here on this earth, and none of us are promised tomorrow. So, how we spend our days really does matter. Not only is it important to spend time with those we love, but more importantly, we should be sharing the ultimate gift of love with others...Jesus! Without Him we have no life and death will inevitably come to us all. I want to live a life that is pleasing to Him and brings Him glory. I also want to cherish the time He has given me with my wonderful family. I love Eric more each day, and our boys are the most important people in our lives.

So, to my father-in-law, I would say thanks. Thanks for raising the man I now know as my husband, and for teaching him respect. Thank you for accepting me as your daughter-in-law, and saying I was your favorite. (even though I was your only one!)  :)  Thanks for being the beginning of what is my family now. You will be missed, but we know that we will be reunited with you one glorious day!

(Howard's obituary)

DWAYNE “HOWARD” HARDMAN, age 60, of Demorest, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at his residence.

Mr. Hardman was born on January 18, 1952, in Stephens County, Georgia, to the late Ralph Benjamin and Lucille Chitwood Hardman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Phillip Hardman and an infant sister. Mr. Hardman was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Shelly and Mike Jones, Turnerville, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Cassie Hardman, Hendersonville, NC; and grandchildren, Ayla, Tia, Gavin, Noah, Grayson, Caleb, Gabriel, Jacob, and Anna Rose.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 8, 2012, at Grace Baptist Church, with Rev. Eric Hardman and Rev. Phillip Yarber officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 1768 Chase Road, Cornelia, Georgia 30531.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia.