Families Are Forever
Honoring Our Parents
“Families are forever, our children.”
After my dad passed away in 2001, life changed in ways I never could have imagined. My mom bought the house next door to the old home place and moved in, and my family and I moved into the original house. It was humble living—tight quarters for a growing clan—but it was where we were meant to be.
At the time, I felt an unexpected frustration toward my mom. I questioned the decision and wondered what I had gotten myself into. It was during that season that something remarkable happened: my dad spoke to me, even though he had already crossed over.
A Visit at the Cemetery
The first time came as a vision. I saw my dad motioning for me to head toward South Pekin, so I got in my vehicle and started driving. Along the way, I wondered if this was divine guidance. Instead of fear, I felt reassurance—a deep sense that I was spiritually supported.
As I got closer, I realized where I was headed: the country cemetery near South Pekin where my dad is buried. I turned down the lane and could already see him standing by his grave.
When I pulled up, he looked at me and broke the silence by asking me to read the gravestone.
My parents’ names were there—my mom’s and my dad’s—and on the other side, the names of all seven children. Beneath them was the quote:
“Families are forever, our children.”
In that moment, something shifted. I forgave my mom completely. Whatever resentment or frustration I had been carrying fell away. I returned home with a renewed heart and went back to work, preparing both houses for the transition ahead.
Keeping My Word
The agreement was that I would pay rent to my mom until I sold my house, and then eventually buy the home place. After I sold my house, though, I started dragging my feet. Buying the old place felt heavy, and I hesitated.
One day, while mowing the lawn on the tractor, my dad appeared again—this time simply walking alongside me. He looked at me and finally said,
“Did you tell your mom you would buy the house?”
In my mind, I answered, Yes…
He replied,
“Keep your word.”
I stopped the mower, went inside, and told Michelle to call the bank and make an appointment. We bought the house.
Honoring Our Parents
There have been many more stories at this place—moments of learning, growth, and what I believe were heavenly visitations. Through it all, one lesson stands out clearly: there is something deeply important about honoring our parents.
I never really thought about continuing to celebrate my dad after he passed, but now I know—we do continue. Love does not end. Family does not end.
I believe God uses many ways to speak into our lives. The Bible is the primary way He speaks, but He also uses people, moments, and experiences to guide us, correct us, and encourage us.
A Promise to Remember
Scripture reminds us:
“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:2–3 (NLT)
My hope is that this story is a blessing to someone today. May it encourage you to honor your parents, keep your word, and trust that God is at work—sometimes in ways we never expect.
Have a blessed day.