Last Saturday morning my father went home to be with the Lord at the age of 96. He lived a good long life. This weekend we will gather with family to pay our respects and celebrate a life well-lived. That’s the part where everyone talks about Heaven and says, “He a was a good man.” Well, he was a good man, and I know he’s in Heaven today, not because he was good, but because he trusted in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins.

They say the goal of parenting is to end up being friends with your adult children. My Dad must have been a good parent because we ended up being friends. Although he didn’t teach me to hunt, fish, or play ball, he taught me how to work and enjoy doing it. I spent many hours between his knees on a tractor seat, working beside him with a scoop shovel or pounding staples in a fence post. In later years, though separated by a thousand miles, we often talked on the phone about cows, crops and the weather. He still tried to tell me how to drive, but we enjoyed each other’s company, and we were friends.

I’m glad my brother and his family were able to be by his side when he passed. Watching another human leave this world will leave a mark on you. I distinctly remember being with my dad when his father died. Standing at a hospital bed in Leon, Iowa, we watched silently as my grandfather breathed his last breath. After a long pause, my dad brushed away a tear, let out a quivering sigh and said, “HE WAS A MAN.”

I knew that statement spoke volumes about the one who had modeled manhood for him. He had watched this man literally wear out his body with a life of hard physical labor, trying to grow, build and provide a better future for his family. He had taught him that a man cares deeply and will sacrifice greatly for his family, his country, his farm and his livestock. A man perseveres, even in the face of criticism, sorrow, pain, loss, and disappointment. A man stands tall, taking pride in his family, his homestead, his crops and his livestock, but will humbly bow before his Creator in worship and thanksgiving. A man recognizes that he would be nothing if not for the love of a good woman by his side. A man sincerely appreciates simple blessings in life like a faithful dog, a trustworthy horse, a good neighbor or a true friend. A man understands the power of a helping hand, a kind word, a pat on the back, or a sincere compliment.

40 years ago, I knew those few words spoken in a hospital room said volumes, coming from a heart of deep love and respect. Today I understand them better and I can proudly say of my father, HE WAS A MAN. Thank you, Dad!