my Dad is with His Maker...

My sweet Dad moved into the Presence of his Maker yesterday.

We got to be with him in his final breaths, and he was very peaceful when he passed,

such a tremendous blessing.

I am deeply saddened, and have an almost indescribable ache in my heart...but at the same time I am so excited for my Dad right now.

He is free from his Parkinson's, Dementia, and all other sickness that has plagued him. He is FREE from the evils of this world and is walking (with perfect balance, I might add), with his Jesus.

He is getting to hold his son, whom my parents lost 39 years ago, and a sweet grandbaby too, who I miscarried 2 years ago.  What joy for him! And He is with so many other precious souls who loved him. I even imagine there may have been a giant yell practice in Heaven with all the other Aggies who have gone before him.

{holding sweet Bethany the day she was born}

There is so much on my heart to write about this beautiful, terrible, mysterious process of death and grief...and those words will come soon. But for today, just know that my family appreciates all your prayers and words of comfort during all this. My Dad has left a legacy of loving others well, and it has spread farther and wider than I ever even knew.

{holding my Abigail when she was born}

I am blown away and so proud to be his daughter.

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many people have asked, so I thought I would share the memorial info here:

Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for John Hopkins

Saturday, Feb 2nd at 2:00 PM

Grace Bible Church

11306 Inwood Rd, Dallas 75229.

There will not be a viewing or graveside.

My Dad's wishes were for his body to be donated to the Medical School here in Dallas,  for research on Parkinson's Disease and other illnesses. I am proud that even in his death, his heart was to better the lives of others.

several people have asked about donations in memoriam in my Dad's name. 

Memorials may be made to:

Grace Bible Church (my parent's church home)

11306 Inwood Rd

Dallas, TX 75229

or to

Parkinson Voice Project 

(this is where my Dad went to speech therapy for years, it is an incredible organization that helps so many with this terrible disease)

500 North Coit Road Suite 2085

Richardson, TX 75080

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Thank you all SO much.

I am humbled by the love and support.

THANK YOU JESUS...

FOR EVERLASTING LIFE.

FOR JOY INDESCRIBABLE IN YOUR PRESENCE.

FOR A BEAUTIFUL FEAST AT YOUR TABLE.

FOR LOVING MY DAD.