In about five hours I will be boarding a plane bound for Charlotte. There I will connect to Philadelphia. Then it is on to Scranton where my oldest sister will eventually pick me up. The last time I visited her was under similar circumstances. My sisters and I had gathered to see dad for what we thought was the last time. The diagnosis was lung cancer. By God’s grace the disease has been in remission for over three years.

However, for the last few months my dad says he is “tired” a lot more. Recently, he has repeated the phrase “living on borrowed time.” While the death of my aunt a couple months ago is part of the reason we are convening to talk about “the future” (i.e., my dad’s business affairs, personal wishes, etc.), I wonder once again if this will be the last time we meet face to face? Please pray for us, especially that the walls would come down and that we could have an open and honest discussion about everything.

Abba, Father, fulfill the meaning of Thy name towards Thy servants; do Thou govern, protect, preserve, sanctify, guide, console them; let them be so enkindled with love for Thee, that they may not be despised by Thee, most merciful Lord and most tender Father.
– Gallican Collect