This is the story of the strongest man I have ever known. You knew him as Walt Joyce, I knew him as my Dad. The purpose of his earth’s journey was to share his strength to all those he knew and loved. He was so strong that it became contagious. One couldn’t help but stand tall beside him, yearning to impress and exemplify his great qualities. I recall my Dad pushing me beyond my limits with the belief he had in me, although I didn’t have it in myself. This same courage was demonstrated during his last days. Only 6 weeks ago Walt was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. When he learned of his illness, individually he met with each of his three children, providing clear direction of his intentions. Dad was not scared, anxious or uncertain that God was going to do what was best for him. He said over and over again, “I had a wonderful life, with no regrets. I am almost 80 years old and couldn’t ask for anything more.” However, at the same time, he was willing to fight medically to prolong his life on earth. Over the last six weeks I was able to watch Dad gracefully transform from the human world to the spiritual world. Each week his body became a bit weaker but his mind and spirit became stronger. He was “on the ball”, knowing all his medications, appointments and arriving early to his treatments. Walt was a soldier following all the orders the doctors gave. Eating became a chore, but he managed to ingest one protein bar after another. The Wednesday before his death, God gave him a surge of energy that made him feel he was making a comeback. It was just enough time for him to get a beautiful Mother’s Day card and gift for his beloved wife of 50 years, my Mom. And, to say bon voyage to my brother Slink and daughter in law Diane insisting they go on their cruise to Spain. That Thursday night, his body began to surrender. At one point Dad said fearlessly, “I am dying.” The suffering was only about 30 hours of labor until God called him home to be born into eternity. He died very peacefully with family by his side. On his last day, I was able to spend much time with him at the hospital. We had conversations as best we could while awaiting medical care. He was asking about my children’s activities for that weekend. I explained Kasey; my oldest daughter had a soccer tournament. Dad asked about her obtaining goals. I replied she gets them but not every game. Well that Saturday after his passing Kasey got two goals in the first game, one in the second and one in the third. Her team won the tournament from the energy Pop-pop sent down from heaven onto the soccer field. Another uplifting story is the knock on the door at Mom’s home, early Saturday morning a few hours after Dad’s passing. There at the door was a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Dad to Mom, thanking her for all she did for him and praising how wonderful a mother she is. She and I cried like babies knowing he delivered them from heaven. During the past 6 weeks I could sense his Mother, (my Nanny Joyce), in full joy. I could hear her saying in an Irish brogue “Isn’t it wonderful, Walter is coming home.” Those words played through my mind over and over again. I believe God sent him home to heaven the day before Mother’s Day as a gift for Nanny. My father’s suffering was minimal but his strength maximal. The humble confidence he gave to us will forever live in our souls. He couldn’t have been prouder of the family he raised and his nine beautiful grandchildren he so enjoyed. Not to mention the woman, my mother, by his side for the last 50 years. He claimed it was Mom that kept him close to God. Lynn helped Walt get to heaven by sharing in his faithful journey. Their romance and love consisted not just of flowers, gifts and going out to dinner. But rather, the space, respect, and disagreements the two shared. Together their partnership was the perfect formula for getting Walter to the high heavens. Now he will be waiting patiently, as he did so many days on earth for my Mom to accompany him in eternity. In the meantime, we will carry on with his qualities in our own lives and make his name, Walter Joseph Joyce, a proud legacy! I love you Dad!!!! (Words he never failed to say upon any goodbye.) Kar 5/15/13