Neal went home to be with the Lord this morning at 12:54. He went peacefully and no pain.
He had a restless night Wednesday so I gave him meds throughout the night. The nurse came at 9AM Thursday while he was having some pain. She stayed with us until he was comfortable. He was still able to speak some. Our nurse told me she didn’t think Neal would make it through the weekend and to call the kids. From about noon Neal slept laboring some but I could not wake him. Praise God all of the kids were able to get here in the afternoon. We had a sweet time together crying, telling stories, reading scripture, praying, and listening to some praise music. A night nurse came at 11PM to stay with Neal. Some of us laid down to rest at 11:30 and was woken (I didn’t actually sleep) at about 12:45. Neal had his graduation to heaven, as he called it, shortly after.
My parents and sister came up this afternoon to go to Collin’s soccer game. What a blessing that they were here because the nurse said we should get Collin home. I called my sister and she got him off the field and brought him home. My parents followed after. They were able to watch the little ones and get dinner ready. Isn’t God good to have met our needs before we knew what they were?!
All this still seems surreal. Neal was a great husband, father, son, and grandad. Our lives have been enriched by knowing him. We will miss him greatly but have the reassurance that we will see him one day in heaven. Praise be to God that he sent Jesus to overcome death and give us the gift of eternal life.
His visitation will be Monday at Pike Funeral home in Bridgman and the service will be Tuesday at Woodland Shores Baptist Church.
On the journey,
Trish
Grieving with you in the present, rejoicing with you in the future hope because of Jesus. Neal will be missed. Our prayers are with you.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss.
I have been following your journey on here. As I check each day, I have been dreading this news. Not for Neal’s sake, but for those left behind on earth where there are still sadness, tears, and pain. We will be praying for you during these days. Thank you for being the sweet aroma of Christ through all of this!
Greg & Teri Randall
What an inspiration your family has been through this journey. It has been a blessing to see your family live out their faith in Christ through your words and actions. Praying for you in the hours, days, and weeks to come!
Wendy Haverdink (Ridge Point Church)
My heart and prayers go out to your family. You have touched so many, many people. God’s blessings.
-The Blesy Family
My deepest sympathy to you and your family! I always had great respect for Neal as a dad, pillar of community, service oriented all around wonderful man! I am very saddened by your loss but God is there with you and your wonderful family! It’s been a while Trish since – have seen you .. God Bless. Dawn Damon and family
The hearts of all of our staff have been so sad, and especially today. I am so glad we had a chance to gather together again this week along with the amazing leader of our team. He has had such an incredible influence on all of us professionally and personally. He has enhanced many, many lives through his profession – kind and gentle dental care, influencing several to enter the profession, and through his many missions and daily contacts inspired with his faith. We as a staff family have shared many educational opportunities, social gatherings, laughter … and tears together. Our hearts are with you, and prayers are sent your way. Sharon G
My heart breaks for all of you as you begin to grieve this huge loss. I always loved, and am not even more impressed with it now that I’m a mom, how laid back Neal (and Trish) were as big crews of college kids came to invade their home. Laughing at the antics rather than scoffing that their house was being turned into a prank/war zone. 🙂 Praying God will bring great memories to you to carry you in your darkest moments. But, no doubt that all you want is to continue to make those memories, and for that I’m am so sorry.
Praise for the Promise of Eternal Life through Christ!
Praise for the reality of heaven!
Praise for Neal – a wonderful husband, Father, son, friend, example of a godly man. He leaves a legacy for his family, and fingerprints on so many, many lives including ours.
We are saddened, but rejoice with the knowledge of his living in the Lord’s presence today.
Linda and Don
My heart echoes off of so many of these comments, I don’t know your family personally and I know Britton a little bit, your family’s journey pops up on my fbook newsfeed through Britton and it has been a blessing to read your posts, as difficult as it is, thank you for sharing. Thank you for leading by example and sharing God’s blessings in a hard time with everyone. Prayers for your family.
We are moved deeply by your loss – Covering your family in prayer today. The way He has used you to show His glory is remarkable. Thanks for sharing your story with so many. Thanking God for Jesus – what a graduation!!
We are thinking and praying for you during this time. We are so sorry for your tremendous loss.
Doug and Sue Koning
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Trish, and your entire family. May his love and peace carry you through. What a homecoming it must have been for Neal. To God be the glory.
Greg & Kate Steenwyk (RP)
Because of the help Neal gave us back in June, we were able to understand the Bone Marrow Transplant process that my husband was about to face at Univ of Chicago. He and Trish were so inspiring. They were both so caring. That is a wonderful memory to have; their lives were filled with
caring. If you graduated to heaven, dear Neal, you most certainly were at the head of your class! God Bless You.
sherry & tom kanoski
Trish and Family,
A friend of Neal’s said it best in a recent blog; Neal is unforgettable. I know he will be on my mind for along time to come. As the Potter continues to turn us I think we can say He has brought home a vessel He is pleased.
All our love,
Steve and Dawn McCreery
Trish – we are praying for you and your family. May the Lord comfort you in your grief with His presence.
– Kyle and BrieAnna Zwiep
Dear Precious Trish, liftIng you and those wonderful kids of yours up to our Great Comforter. I just can’t believe it. So many memories of times with you two. No one in the world had a smile like Neal’s! Wow……my heart aches for you. I am so sorry. Heaven is a sweeter place now! I sure Jesus smiled when Neal walked into His arms. I will see you Tuesday. I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Neal’s incredible life! Love You Trish, Paula Davis
Trish,
Neal will be sorely missed by many. I spent a lot of time with the Smith’s in Bridgman when I was young and cousin Neal was tremendous fun to be around. Many stories come to mind… for another time.
You and your family will be in our prayers. Just know, as so many have already stated, that his influence went far and wide. God bless you and your family at this time.
Scott and Gina Ayliffe
Dallas, TX