My father has been pronounced brain dead. As we have spent time with him. He is gone from this earth. As I spent some time with him one on one last night, I sensed this was the case. At the same time, the circumstances left us in a place to continue to "watch and pray".
The miracle came in the form of my dad being reunited with his mom and dad, and more than likely taking on Jesus in a free throw contest (I think Jesus could give him a run for his money).
The other miracle will come over the next couple days as he is being prepared to give the organs he no longer needs in order to give life to those who need them.
We have said goodbye.
Although we are convinced his spirit man is gone, the body (except the brain) continues to function in order to donate his organs.
In the next week, we will continue to be able to say goodbye in multiple formats.
It just stinks in the here and now.
It's freakin' awesome in from an eternal perspective.
How do I sum up my dad?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Dad, you batted a thousand.
**I hate communicating this over a blog... it's less than an ideal way to communicate, yet I share this so those who care can hurt and rejoice with us...
UPDATE - Late last night we received word that due to my dad's prostate cancer 7 years ago, all his organs except his eyes (corneas) were not qualified for donation. Our "donation rep" fought hard to the contrary.
As I spent some time saying goodbye to dad yesterday, one of my prayers was that I might be able to see the world the way my dad saw it... as I'm fairly certain that he is the only one to view it the way he did. Well, at least until now. Not only may God grant me that vision, dad's eyes will hopefully be granting that vision to someone else.
The miracle came in the form of my dad being reunited with his mom and dad, and more than likely taking on Jesus in a free throw contest (I think Jesus could give him a run for his money).
The other miracle will come over the next couple days as he is being prepared to give the organs he no longer needs in order to give life to those who need them.
We have said goodbye.
Although we are convinced his spirit man is gone, the body (except the brain) continues to function in order to donate his organs.
In the next week, we will continue to be able to say goodbye in multiple formats.
It just stinks in the here and now.
It's freakin' awesome in from an eternal perspective.
How do I sum up my dad?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Dad, you batted a thousand.
**I hate communicating this over a blog... it's less than an ideal way to communicate, yet I share this so those who care can hurt and rejoice with us...
UPDATE - Late last night we received word that due to my dad's prostate cancer 7 years ago, all his organs except his eyes (corneas) were not qualified for donation. Our "donation rep" fought hard to the contrary.
As I spent some time saying goodbye to dad yesterday, one of my prayers was that I might be able to see the world the way my dad saw it... as I'm fairly certain that he is the only one to view it the way he did. Well, at least until now. Not only may God grant me that vision, dad's eyes will hopefully be granting that vision to someone else.
26 comments:
Derry,
Sarah and I are so sorry to hear of your dad's accident and subsequent decisions you guys have to make. Thanks for sharing so candidly about him.
We are praying for you and your family.
Peter & Sarah Damaska
Derry and Prenkert Family,
Kelly, Joel and I are so sorry for your loss. It hurts to know you all will not be able to see him for a time. We are thankful that you will see him again. We cannot understand what you are going through, but we send our empathy and love. Derry, the verse you used to describe your dad is spot on. Having known him and watched him live his life, he certainly did bat a thousand. We are praying for you all.
The Whiteheads
Derry,
I am sorry to hear about your dad. I have nothing but great memories of him! I continue to pray for you and your family that you can somehow take comfort in knowing he is home.
Sondra (Flora) Nunemaker
Derry and Family,
Chris and I will be praying for you guys through this time. No words.
Chris and Melissa Garner
Our thoughts are with your family.
Mr. Prenkert was an awesome guy and one of NWHS's Top Teachers EVER! Praying for you and your whole family. Heaven gained a great member.
Mishler's
Hey Derry, I know this will be a difficult time for you and everyone that knew your dad. Just this past week my boyfriend's little brother, Harrison Fidler, died of meningitis, as I'm sure you have heard of on the news. He was also pronounced brain dead. It's a tricky situation, when the brain is dead but parts of the body are still living. Harrison, too, donated organs. So I'm really glad that that is what was decided for your dad. I'm sure your dad and Harrison have met up and are doing lots of fun things with Jesus. I'll be praying for you.
Derry- I can't really understand what you're going through but I hope that God's strength and the strength of many others can provide you some sanctuary in this intense time.
He was one of the best teachers I ever had. I'm sorry for your loss.
Derry and family,
Cody, Bob, and I would like to express our sympathy to you. Your father will certainly be missed by many as he was loved by so many. Thank you for sharing about your dad.
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Clines
Derry,
I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Your dad was my soph. English teacher and I had to opportunity to play outfield with him on the church's softball team. He was a great teacher... one of the reasons I also chose that profession. We will be praying for your family.
Jeff Johnson
Derry,
I'm so sorry that your dad died. just know that i'm praying for u along with a ton of others
Katherine Berkey
Derry,
I am so sorry to hear about Kip... I was just at the store and he helped look for a "bear" to put on our daughter's cheerleading outfit. You are right he did bat a 1000 on the fruits of the spirit. Barak and I will continue to pray for you as you and Janelle face the next days, weeks and even months. Love in Christ- Valerie Coolman (Weldy)
The Schrocks are thinking of you, praying...
We are continuing to lift you and your family up in our prayers.
Your choice of a descriptive verse for your dad was spot on, Derry.
Derry,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You and your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
B. Snyder
Your dads gift of his organs will be the answers to others prayers.
To the Prenkert family,
Our hearts hurt for all of you. How well we know the pain of losing a loved one. But we rejoice with all of you as you know without a doubt that your dad is resting in the arms of Jesus! Continuing to lift you all in prayer, Jack and Nadine Lengacher
Praying for you and your family. May God give you the comfort to say goodbye and the hope to see him again someday.
Derry-
You, Janelle, Katylynn and your family have been on my mind all weekend. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. It's good to read about him and hear of the faithful life of integrity he led. I'm praying God sends you the comfort only he can send during times like these.
Continuing to pray,
Alison
Derry,
I don't know how you do it...reflect so eloquently when so little time has ticked by. A person can only do that when what he speaks is truth and comes right from the heart. Luke 6:45b says "For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."
It's obvious that what you shared about your dad comes straight from your heart. And there is no greater reward here on earth than to have your kids (who know you best and have watched you live)respect you the most. I have only met your dad but what I know of him has come from how you have shared about him personally, on your blog or from the stage. I have never ever heard anything but admiration for him.
I'm sure many more honest tributes to your dad will be shared over the next several days, months and years. Derry, your life has and will continue to be a tribute to how your dad lived. I'm sure he is proud to call you his son.
Mark and I are incredibly sad for you, Janelle, Katylynn, your mom and your brothers. We mourn with you and rejoice for your dad at the same time. God's ways are unfathomable but we choose to trust Him even when its hard and we can't see clearly.
Cindi
Derry,
I was saddened to hear about the loss of your father. I never met your dad, but after reading your blog, I sure wish I could have met him. I look forward to being introduced to him in heaven. Know that I'm praying for you and the entire Prenkert family.
Derry,
In August of 2007 my dad was taken suddenly in a vehicle accident as well. Your dad's story has touched a few nerves for me in a very good way. I hang on to all the good stuff about my dad; and it sure sounds like you have plenty with yours as well.
We also were able to donate my dad's corneas to help someone else. It is a great thing.
Just wanted to add myself to the list of those praying for all of you as you go through this time of mixed sadness and celebration of a life lived well and his homegoing. It just stinks in the temporary.
See you in the fantasy leagues.
Paul
Derry,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kellie Cacioppo (Mellinger)
Derry-
After hearing things about your dad over the past few days I have nothing but respect for him. Coach Lightfoot said he was one of the biggest supporters of Bethel Basketball ever! Your dad was a faithful fan, faithful father, but more importantly I am thrilled to know the kind of faithful follower of Christ he was. I'm sorry for this, but prayers will not be stopping...
Kory
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