Lessons from a Father's Love

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but he is strong

Yes, Jesus loves me.
Oh, yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
For the Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me!
He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Yes, Jesus loves me.
Oh, yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
For the Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me
He will stay close beside me all the way
He’s prepared a home for me
And someday his face I’ll see.

Oh, yes, Jesus loves me.
Oh, yes, Jesus loves me.
He loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
For the Bible tells me so.

Never have the words and verses of this song spoken so tenderly to my heart.

Heaven received a precious angel on Sunday when Molly Rowlee left this earth after a 6 month battle with cancer to join our Creator. I never had the opportunity to meet Molly in person, but the way that her Dad shared her with many of us gave us a glimpse into the sweet girl that she was.
Buck, her dad, and I went to college together then years later ended up on the same surf shop route across the NC coast in sales, so our paths crossed fairly frequently for a while. I remember when Meg, his wife, was pregnant with Molly.

While I never met her on this earth, the lessons I've learned through Molly's journey over the past 6 months will remain etched in my heart until I meet her face to face in Heaven.

I've learned that our days are numbered and it's not our age that determines the years we live on this earth, so whatever you do, do with all of your heart -- especially if it includes dressing your best Hannah Montana outfit and performing. "Meighan and I smile at the thought that all of them are having to sit down on the couch while Molly - dressed in her best Hannah Montana outfit - performs for them." "Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation." Psalm 149:3-4

I've learned that it doesn't matter what we look like on the outside, it's the love that overflows from our hearts that makes us beautiful. Meg, Molly's mommy, was one of the first to shave her head when she knew that Molly would lose her hair from chemo. "{A friend} just popped over to the house and she shaved Meighan's head. Meighan looks absolutely beautiful, really, and Meg is my hero. Thank you, God, that I have this lady on my team. " "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." I Peter 3:3-5

I've learned that no matter how frustrated I get with my children that to be able to hold them at the end of the day is a precious gift - "I held Molly's hand throughout the night. I was able to sleep beside her, and although I wasn't able to snuggle up to her tightly - because of all of the tubes and wires - I was able to hold her hand and kiss her beautiful face." "Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! " Psalm 127:3-5 (The Msg)

I've learned how important it is to create memories with those we love - "Yesterday morning I needed to surf alone. If you were in the water, then you know that it was a beautiful morning. The sun was shining, the waves were perfect, and I could not control my tears. I was an emotional wreck until I saw the sparkles of light dancing off of the water. Molly was dancing, she was free, and she was shouting, "Good surf, good surfing, daddy!" as she always sang from the beach when I was in the water."

There are so many more things that I could share but then you all would be reading forever! Instead, I will end it with some things that I have known, but was reminded of and know that I need to continue to remember in this blessing called life.

First, we cannot get through this gig called life without community - "Hampton is home, but the wonderful community that has embraced our family extends far beyond the NH seacoast area. Thank you all for everything that you have provided to my family. Meighan and I have been so very appreciative. You have kept us alive, enabled us to find the power to face Molly's struggles, and without all of you playing such a crucial role in our lives we would be lost. Bless you all and Meg and I love you all so much. A simple "thank you" cannot possibly express our gratitude, but Meighan and I are so thankful - so very grateful - for the love that you all continue to shower upon our family." "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. "Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Second, God always has a plan. Even when we don't see it or understand it He has a plan - "Meighan and I have realized that there had to be a "higher power" drawing us back to NH, and this fact really hit home when Molly was diagnosed with cancer. A few summers ago, Meighan and I were having dinner at 931 and I told Meg that I needed to leave my job and I wanted to move the family back to Hampton. In retrospect, it's obvious to me now why I had to bring the family to Hampton. This community is the only place on earth where Meighan and I could deal with Molly's illness." "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

Third, Love conquers all and covers all. "The day that you were born was the happiest day in my life. Every father should be blessed with having a daughter and you were a surprise. Mommy and I didn't want the doctor's to tell us whether or not we were having a boy or a girl, and when you arrived into this world and blessed mommy and I...I was crying tears of joy. You were so beautiful. Mommy and I are crying now only because we can't help you get better. I would if I could, sweetie, believe me. I would trade places with you in a flash if that was an option. The only thing that mommy and I can do is pray." "We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19 {Love} always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:7

One of the things that continued to inspire me was that Meg and Buck never gave up hope. Today, they remain hopeful that Molly's death will serve a purpose. I believe that purpose is already being seen. Molly's short life has touched those who have been on this journey with her in ways that others may not touch us in 50 years. The one thing that I have read in the many messages is that walking this journey with the Rowlees has prompted people to be better fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters.

Growing to know and love Molly since February has given me a new perspective on how I view my blessings and I pray that on the days I want to grumble, or the days that my patience are wearing thin (which have been WAY prevalent lately) that she will reach down from the Heavens and remind me of what is important.

This has been lengthy and could go on for days, but I hope that through this lens you will each have a different view of your lives, your families and your loved ones today.

Buck and Meg have had the ability to make us laugh through our tears with their unwillingness to let Molly's battle be anything but an example of how to love and persevere in ways that we think are unimaginable, unless we are faced with it ourselves.

To conclude, I will share one of the last excerpts from Molly's care page. A message from a father to his child. "Have fun baby! Sing! Smile and Have Fun! Daddy loves you!" So often on the days lately that I have sat like a bump on a log in a puddle of self pity, I wonder if my Heavenly Father, who loves me more than I can possibly imagine, is saying this to me.

Molly's care page site is www.carepages.com/carepages/MollyAnnRowlee. If you have some time, and some kleenex, you should check it out. It will make you smile through your tears....