Last Post

I've really enjoyed meeting some of you over the past few days and have also enjoyed hearing stories about my dad. I have never known much about his life outside of our house, so it's been nice seeing what an impact he made in so many lives. I can tell he was a good friend. I know many of you had to work on Tuesday and weren't able to attend the funeral but just know it was beautiful. There was a great turnout and everything went perfectly. He would have really enjoyed watching the firetrucks/motorcycles and have been honored to have so many people attend.

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer we decided to start this blog to update you guys. He was so excited about it and knew he'd be in remission soon. Well, we all thought he'd be in remission because he was doing so well. That was his personality though. He would get so determined about things that you couldn't doubt him. He said he'd be in remission and we believed him.

He could barely login to check his email, so we decided it would be best if I kept the blog up. Every night we'd call one another and plan out the entry. He'd have a thought or subject matter he'd want to discuss and he'd explain it to me. Many entries took over an hour of us going back and forth. He was so proud of this blog and I'm so happy I got to do it with him. He always said when he went into remission he'd get the blog printed into a book and help other cancer patients cope. I really can't express how much this blog meant to him and as a result hugely impacted me. This blog forced him to express himself in ways he'd never done with me before. I got to hear his thoughts for the first time. I will truly always treasure the time we had together creating each entry.

Overall, I wanted to thank you for all of the prayers and for keeping up with him. Each email or comment you left really made his day better. The prayers truly worked. When he was first diagnosed he wasn't given much hope. Instead, he lived several good months and was able to come to Christ. That alone is the hugest blessing of all. We now know for a fact that my dad went to Heaven!!! I can't express to you what a relief that is for me. Even at the end of my dad's life you could feel God's presence. I know it's hard to look at death as a blessing, even for me, he was my dad, but he was in so much pain. His last couple of weeks were terrible. Instead of struggling for days on end God took my dad quickly and painlessly. We will never know why my dad was chosen at such a young age to leave us, but I do know my dad impacted a lot of people. Maybe my dad fulfilled his duty on Earth earlier than most of us? He was always an overachiever.

I'm definitely not going to delete his blog, so if you ever miss him feel free to come back and read some of his thoughts. He really was special and I'm having a hard time figuring out where to go from here. What I do know is he was strong and certainly a fighter, so I plan on being the same way. I can almost hear him lecturing me right now. I can also take comfort in the fact that he is in Heaven. I feel so thankful that he dedicated his life to Christ in his final months.

*My dad was adamant that he'd end each post with scripture. Although I have no idea what he'd choose in this situation, I thought I'd leave you with my favorite verse.

"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:1-5

Visitation and Vigil

There was a great turnout last night and we really appreciate you coming out. There was a steady flow of people from beginning to end. Broussards felt like around 500 people were there. Dad would have enjoyed visiting with all of you. The flowers were also beautiful. We especially liked seeing his fire uniform. We had never seen any of that. Last night during the vigil Gary said my dad never boasted and that is true. I never even knew he was captain until I saw his helmet. I also never knew about most of the award he won. To us he was just dad and he never talked about all of that stuff.

Also, we found the link to the article about my dad and I thought I'd share it with you. Just copy and paste this into your browser.

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/print/print/news/stock-alert/xom_cancer-claims-labor-leader-exxonmobil-union-boss-s-priority-was-health-and-safety--953387.html

Newspaper

I forgot to mention that this Friday we were surprised to wake up and find an article about my dad in the paper. It was a really nice article that he would have really enjoyed. If you haven't read it you might want to get your hands on one. We weren't able to find it online or I'd link you to it. Also, today his obituary will be in the paper. You can also find it online at www.beaumontenterprise.com. I believe his obituary will also be in the Tuesday paper.

Thank you Forever Yours Florist

While making arrangements this morning we found out most/all of the local florist would not be able to deliver flowers for my dad's funeral. I never realized florists took several days off in a row for a holiday weekend. We weren't sure what to do and Forever Yours Florist stepped up and offered to help. Thanks for helping us out in our time of need!!!!!

Picture Hunt

If you happen to have any pictures of my dad playing the drums, doing aikido or just hanging out feel free to email them to me at tiffanykeithowen@gmail.com. We are trying to gather photos for a slide show. Thanks a bunch!

Official Funeral Arrangements

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 2:00p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, in Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will be Monday, May 31, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Christian Vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Broussard's.

The end and the beginning

Tonight around 10p my dad was welcomed into heaven. He went peacefully and is no longer in pain. I will keep you posted on all of the funeral arrangements as the week progresses. Thanks for the continued prayer.

One thing my dad always mentioned is he didn't want his funeral to be sad, but wanted it to be a celebration. With that in mind, feel free to leave a comment of your favorite memory with him.

Although my brain isn't functioning enough to remember a specific memory from my life, I will say that my 4 year old son will always remember his dates with Pappy. Every time we came into town my dad would take O to eat and to bounce zone. Even though O is still young I have no doubt that he will always treasure those memories.