DAD CAME BY

I have spoke of my dad not being in my life very much. But he did show up during an extremely difficult time to help me. I am truly thankful for that. During those last few months, we had various visitors come by the house to spend time with Rick. My dad, Wayne Fincher was one who came for visits.

My dad would come by normally on Saturdays and sit on the porch with Rick. I am not really sure what all they talked about but Rick always seemed to enjoy his visits. As the inevitable seemed to be coming fast, Rick decided he wanted to go to church with me on Sundays.

I had been doing my best to attend church on Sunday AM services, even if I couldn’t make any other service times. I had several people that would come sit with Rick while I went. Alan came most of those Sundays. When Rick decided to attend church with me, it would require someone to help me.

To take Rick anywhere during those last months it was a production of sorts. He wasn’t able to walk on his own now and we would need to get him out of the house with the wheelchair, and in his dodge truck which sat high off the ground for me.

Dad began coming on Sundays to help me get Rick to church. Rick was in constant pain and lots of pillows helped him sit more comfortably. Dad would help me maneuver Rick, in his wheelchair out of the small rental house and in and out of the church and get seated comfortably in the church.

I honestly can’t remember how many Sundays Rick was able to go to church with me now but I was truly thankful Dad came by to help me. I recall one particular Sunday that Rick wanted to go down to the front of the church with Pastor Phil Bray. It was at the end of the alter call. He wanted to actually walk down the aisle not be rolled in his wheelchair.

Unfortunately, this Sunday Rick’s walking cane got left at home. He really never used it very much to help him walk but he did use it to give him a sense of independence still. I recall how upset Rick was that I hadn’t brought it. He wanted so much to walk on his own down front. We did manage to get him off the pew in his chair and down front so he could share a short testimony about his beliefs and thanked the church for their prayers, calls, and visits.

As Rick’s health continued to decline, Dad came less and less for Saturday or Sunday visits. It was so hard for any of us to see how things were coming and fast. At the time I really was hurt that dad stopped coming and never talked to me about it but now I really understand what a gift he had given me when he was able to come by and I am forever grateful he came at the most needed time in my life. Thanks dad! I love you!