Jerry Fryar, Wilson Bryan Fryar Jr., Dad

My Dad was one of those special people who got more than one name.  I only mentioned a couple in the title, but he was also partial to JB and Jerry Bill and to at least one of his friends, "Fart."  To me, he was just Dad.

He died last night.

January 30, 2011 the complications of a rapidly progressing Parkinson's Disease claimed his body.  A couple of friends had visited him a bit earlier and found him sleeping.  I suspect that he passed in that sleep.   I was at a prayer service with my wife and kids.  It wasn't a special one; just the one we have each month.  Dad was on the list and many prayers were lifted to our gracious Heavenly Father for him and Mom.  The service concluded at about 7:00 - right about the time Dad entered the presence of the Lord.

There is much to do today.  It seems too early to eulogize him.  Maybe it is always that way, too early.  I promise to do it here, though.  In fact, I may be entrusted to assist with the funeral.  I don't know how to do that, but it seems better for me to do so, than to leave it to a minister who doesn't really know Dad.

He wasn't really much of a church-goer.   I don't mean that in a negative way, although I don't believe he was obedient to the Lord by withholding himself from corporate worship.  However, I accept that he know the Lord Jesus personally.  He expressed that to me on several occasions and I trust he is in the presence of the Lord even now.

I am glad I got to visit him night before last.  I took the whole family.  My kids and wife were all there. We talked to him and rubbed his feet.  I showed him pictures of Pierce's first basketball game.  We shared some time together.  It wasn't easy.  Seeing a body ravaged by Parkinson's is tough.  The Dad I knew, tough, fiery, opinionated, self-sufficient, strong and always bigger than me was no more.  Completely frozen and unable to talk, he was barely there.  I trust that he heard us and took comfort in our presence.  The Lord gave us, and especially me, the privilege to say a last, "I love you."  And for as many times as we argued, I am so thankful that those were my last words.

We will go and help Mom today.  So many decisions and plans need to be made.  In some ways these decisions are easier than those we thought we were facing 24 hours ago.

I have been praying for mercy.  And I believe that prayer has been answered.

I love you, Dad, and I miss you.