Help Lay My Dad To Rest

 

My dad David was an amazing man. Most people knew about his past because he was transparent with almost everyone he met. He spent 41 years, 9 months and 6 days in prison for a crime he committed in his 20's. During his time incarcerated he gave his life to Jesus, took every self help class prison had to offer, became facilitator for multiple classes. Took time to give back to society by teaching other inmates how to not to continue in their old lifestyle that would lead them back to prison. I am not trying to toot my dads whistle and make him out to look like a choir boy, he had a dark past and was guilty, and admitted it, paid his dues and moved on from his past. We all have a past and that's just what it is is the past.

 

In his almost 42 years locked up he lost many family members by either death or they gave up on him and don't want anything to do with him. He was released from prison in February 2019 and had to adjust to a society that was 42 years in the future from what he knew, try and imagine that ! He struggled but managed to get the hang of everything. He ended up getting his license, a nice car and eventually got his own place in Eldon Mo. He was doing the best he could for himself and he knew it was all by God's grace alone. 
Dad and I were very close, even though I live hours away from him. We talked by phone or text almost daily. What a joy it was to see him a free man and making a new start at life, I am so blessed to be a part of it. He had many health issues in which he was getting proper care for now as a free man, and that was exciting to him. He began to feel better and was able to move around and do things he'd never been able to do. 
Dad went into the hospital last Thursday with Covid, he was holding steady for the first few days, then he took a turn and had to be placed on a ventilator and sedation. He held that steady for a few days and took another turn and his kidneys stopped working and they started kidney dialysis. His body was so tired from struggling to survive, the following day, Saturday at noon my dad slipped into eternity. 

I am the one who stepped up to the plate to take over from here. I was closest to him and knew what he wanted from here. I am faced now with dealing with his physical remains and to be honest with ya I don't know how to do all this nor do I have the means financially. BUT GOD........ He does, and I feel led to reach out this way to all family and friends, his church family and anyone who reads this. I'm just gonna say it, I need help to settle all his life here on earth. 
I may not have worded this perfectly, or like most folks, but I shared what I felt was important and what was on my heart. The Bible says "You have not because you ask not" so I am asking anyone who is led by the Holy Spirit to please give what you can, no amount is too small. I appreciate anything you can do to help me at this time. If you can't help financially, I ask you to pray that needs are met and he is laid to rest as he requested. 
To those of you who were blessed to know him, you knew his heart. He loved Jesus and I know he is with Him in Heaven at this very moment. 

Final thoughts, thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving my dad. I rejoice in the midst of my sorrow because I know I will meet him again real soon. Life is but a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow. May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you and give you peace. 

Respectfully,  Shane Gehlert


*There will be no service for my dad. Respecting the family request.