My Dad and I

May 23rd, 2010 is a date that will always stick out in my mind. My family had gathered at my parents’ house to celebrate the birthday of my sister. Despite being sick, my dad came downstairs and ate with us. He socialized better than he had in recent weeks, and I remember feeling hopeful that his condition was improving.

A while after we had eaten, he called my brother and I up to his office. He wanted to show us some of his favorite videos on this neat new website called Youtube. You could tell that my dad had recently just discovered it, and was having a good time finding all sorts of videos that reminded him of special things in his life. He played a song called “This Old House” and told us it was his theme song. Looking back on it now, I think I understand what he was trying to tell us. I didn’t know it at the time, but that would be the last time I would ever hang out with my dad.

I would see him conscious only two more times. I saw him briefly as we rushed to publish the June 2010 issue of his newsletter. I was picking it up for corrections and my dad was busy getting ready for a doctor’s appointment or something, so we didn’t really say much to each other.

The final time I would see him conscious was on June 8th, 2010 when he opened his eye and awoke from his coma right before he passed on. That moment too, will be one I remember forever.

Since the death of my father in June, my life has been changing in ways I never would’ve imagined. I never expected to be where I am now and doing what I am doing. Sometimes I feel scared, but then I remember that I can “do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) Conversely, I’m constantly reminded of Jesus’ words, “without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

And most of the time, when I hear Scriptures in my mind, it’s in my dad’s voice.

Samuel David Meyer

Please feel free to submit your own memories of Pastor Meyer to the email address below.

memories@pastormeyer.org