i will rise.

dad died just before midnight on november 23rd, the day before thanksgiving. mom, megan, brian and close family friends, chris and reggie, were present. the next morning nick and bella flew in from texas. so on the way home we had two cars. brian and i rode in one. it was an emotional ride. we would be laughing hysterically one moment, remember dad and his humor. the next we'd be crying like crazy. we started listening to the christian sirius station. that was a mistake. so this song by chris tomlin came on called "i will rise". wow...it was insane. the words could not have been more perfect. i started crying instantly. i couldn't believe what a perfect song it was for what we had just been through. it was sad and comforting all at the same time. 

so went spent those few minutes just listening and crying. then that sanctus real song came on called "lead me" about the man who leads his family...geez.

when brian was making the picture slideshow for dad's service i knew he had to use that chris tomlin song. so he did and it was beautiful. i seriously could not even hear a note of that song without completely losing it. i had to leave the room when brian was making the video. 

i heard the song last night in the car. i usually change the station because i just can't handle it. but this time i listened. and i could picture my dad singing it. i cried, but i also felt happy for him...happy that he is in heaven, bowing before god and singing his praises. 

if you haven't heard this song, you have to. for some reason this is not letting me upload it from itunes, but you can listen to it here. the lyrics are below.

there's a peace i've come to know.
thought my heart and flesh may fail,
there's an anchor for my soul.
i can say, "it is well."

jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed.
the victory is won,
he has risen from the dead!

and i will rise when he calls my name;
no more sorrow, no more pain.
i will rise on eagles' wings.
before my god, fall on my knees
and rise...i will rise.

there's a day thats drawing near
when this darkness breaks to light.
and the shadows disappear
and my faith shall be my eyes.

jesus has overcome

and the grave is overwhelmed.

the victory is won,

he has risen from the dead!

and i will rise when he calls my name;

no more sorrow, no more pain.

i will rise on eagles' wings.

before my god, fall on my knees 

and rise...i will rise.

and i hear the voice of many angels sing,

"worthy is the lamb!"

and i hear the cry of every longing heart,

"worthy is the lamb!"

and i will rise when he calls my name;

no more sorrow, no more pain.

i will rise on eagles' wings.

before my god, fall on my knees 

and rise...i will rise.