13th Anniversary

13 years ago today my Dad died of a sudden heart attack.

Below are the lyrics to a song I had written for my Dad the Father's Day prior to his death. I'm thankful I was able to share this song with him before he died.

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My Father used to sing to me "The Old Rugged Cross"
Tucked me in and rubbed my back and said "good night my child."
His tenor voice would fill the room with sweet refrains of hymns
And in my tender childhood days I knew I'd trust in Him

Images of Jesus' death emblazened in my mind
"Wondrous'ly attracting me to the Dear Lamb of God"*
"Amazing Grace" has saved my soul and "It Is Well"
"I Love To Tell The Story" that "Jesus Paid It All."

       As Father and Daughter we've travled rough roads
       And I never thanked my father for singing me those hymns

I pray that in his twilight years he knows I've forgiven him
Memories of good times shared far outweigh the bad
All things work together for good to those who love God
I pray his soul has answered Him and His glory forever he'll share.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, where my trophies at last I'll lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.

I'm passing on the good things to children of my own
Singing them the hymns I heard and grew to love so
"Blest Be The Ties" and "God Be With You", "I'm Going Home"
Songs rich in truth passed lovingly from him to me to them.

/To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, it's shame and reproach gladly bear/
/Then He'll call me someday to my home far away where His glory forever /
/I'll share /
/So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, where my trophies at last I'll lay down/
/I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown./
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Copyright 1996 - All Rights Reserved :  * Line excerpted from "The Old Rugged Cross"
"The Old Rugged Cross" copyright 1913 by George Bernard. Copyright of "The Old Rugged Cross" renewed 1941 (extended), The Rodeheaver Co., owner. ** Line excerpted from "Battle Hymn of the Republic"