God Is STILL Good To Gary

My father led an amazing life-always serving others, loving unconditionally, and bringing so many to Jesus. I am so honored that God chose him to be my earthly father, and I cherish each and every moment the Lord allowed me to be with him.

As I say goodbye to my father through this blog, emotions flood. I am grieving that I cannot see him on this earth anymore, sad that he can't physically hold my children and hurting that my mother is alone after 38 years with her "heart". But through that I praise the Lord that my father is where he has dreamed of all his life, and I am so happy that his legacy continues here through his family and friends.

I got to spend the last night Dad had on this earth with him. We thought we had more time with him, so we were "taking turns" to stay up with him and make sure he wasn't in pain. And God allowed some amazing memories during that night-we prayed, we read scripture, we sang, and we even had "church" with David Jeremiah that Sunday morning. Daddy couldn't speak by that point, but he was able to communicate through body language. And even then, his last hours on earth, he focused on his passions-Jesus and family. God even granted his "girls" to be with him in his final moment-and I am SURE we witnessed my Daddy seeing his Lord and Savior! What an awesome moment that I will never forget. And now his passion has realized all of our hopes for him!

Our only wish and prayer now, as Gary's family, is that you create and continue a legacy through your family. Family was the most important thing to him; I remember our "family time" we had when we went on vacations, went out to movies or to eat, or even just watched TV together as a family. I remember what my dad gave up to be with us-he could have had a big career, traveling and speaking all over the world. But he chose to come home every night to be with his bride and children. And now we will continue that-choosing family over all the wordly things that do not mean as much. We pray you can do the same.

Please visit his memorial site at http://www.mem.com/. Simply type in his name in the "Search" section on the left side. You can leave messages, see pictures, and we will even try to put some of his "spots" from Faith Radio on there that you can hear! I will work to keep updating that as find things here and there in the future.

We are honored that you chose to remain in touch with us through this blog, and it is hard to say goodbye to you as well. I have learned about those who have posted comments-Daddy always asked if anyone left one and then told me all about the people who did. We know you will not forget Gary, and please praise our Redeemer that we can see him again one day!

In closing, please read one of Dad's favorite passages (for all of them at one time were his "favorites"!). He wanted to live his life according to this passage, and I believe the Lord told him "welcome my good and faithful servant, full of integrity" when Daddy met him.

We love you.


Psalm 15

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy
hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.

I Haven't Forgotten

For those who are daily checking, I have NOT forgotten about what I have promised! I am just not able to get access to the slide show still, but I will make every effort to obtain it in the next 48 hours.

Thank you for being patient!

Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving

I apologize for not getting something out to you sooner to let you know I have not forgotten about the slide show and the final words. Unfortunately the slide show is still not yet available, and I am still mewling (my dad has always liked that word) over how to express to you what my dad wants me to say.

Besides that, we had a very THANKFUL Thanksgiving. For weeks before we had labored over how to have this holiday (a favorite for our family) with Dad but not overwhelm him with all the children around all day. But because Dad celebrated his first Thanksgiving with our Brother, we were able to share this holiday as a whole family, knowing that Jesus AND our father were with us. We thanked God for giving and honoring us with Gary Hundley as a husband, father, father-in-law and Papa for as much time as He gave us. It was a peaceful and beautiful day.

My mother wanted me to express her endless gratitude to all of you and your overwhelming love and kindness you have shown us this past week. It touches our hearts to know Gary had so many who love him so dearly. We know how special he is, and it's nice to see others feel the same way! Special thanks to Ken Chaffin, Jack Hicks, and the Vaughn Forest Baptist Church for honoring Dad so with the celebration service and graveside service. Dad always planned WONDERFUL events, and these were no exceptions!

Please remember that Dad will always love each of you, and I know he will enter the Throne Room and plead for you if and when that time is needed. Just because he is not with us here does not mean he cannot still go to the Father on our behalf. One of the things Dad struggled with all this time was how he was going to "make a difference" with my children's lives (they are 3, 2 and 8 months). He was able to be there for all 4 of his other grand children's baptisms and even baptize Brooke's two youngest. That is why he wanted 10 more years-to baptize my children and lead them to the Lord. But Randy and I assured him that he will make much more of a difference when he is in the Almighty's presence-he can plead on their behalf AT HIS FEET! What more could we want for our children than a witness who will run to the Father when our children need Him the most? And we praise God that Dad can do that now. His legacy will continue for generations to come, should the Lord decide not to come and gather us all before then.

Again, words cannot express how thankful we are for all of you. We prayed for you on Thursday; please know you will hold such a special place in our hearts even though Gary is not here on earth with us. We pray now for a wonderful beginning to this Christmas season; never forget WHY we celebrate it!

Slide show and final words to come, I promise!

Indebted Gratitude

We as Gary's family wanted to sincerely thank all of you who left comments, called, sent notes or food, and came to his visitation last night. What an outpouring of love for us in honor of Dad.

We are blessed last night to have hugged the necks of all those whom Gary has touched over the years. We may not remember your names, but you will forever be in our hearts simply because you love Gary and honored him by loving us too. Thank you.

We look forward to today-the celebration-where we remember Gary as he is NOW. He is with the Lord, at His feet, worshipping. Finally.

We hope to see many of you today, but we know may not be able to attend due to the holiday. Gary definitely would want you to be with family today and not with us-that is his legacy, and he wants it to be the same for you. And Thanksgiving was his favorite time of the year.

Please stay posted for a little longer; we have a slide show of Gary I would like you all to see, but it is not ready. And I was also charged by my father to say a few more words. Please forgive me if I am not yet ready to do that-I miss him so.

We love you and are forever thankful for you and your faithfulness to our Creator.

Arrangements

Final arrangements have been made for Gary.

A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, November 21, 2007, at 2:00PM at Vaughn Forest Baptist Church. We will have visitation on Tuesday, November 20 from 5-7PM at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Faith Radio (PO Box 210789, Montgomery AL 36121). This was Gary's legacy and his Kingdom work-we can't imagine anything more that he would want than for you to help continue this ministry in his name.

We love you. Please stay posted for details about a special slide show and final words.

Gary Is Finally Home

At 7:10 on November 18, 2007, Gary Hundley went home to receive his inheritance from the Lord. The Lord chose to keep him from suffering too long, and we are so blessed because of that.

We were so grateful that Hope and his two daughters were there to help send him to the one place he longed for. And we can't wait to see him again when the Lord brings us home with him.

There are no set plans for the funeral; please stay posted for those as soon as we know.

Words cannot express the love we have for those of you who prayed for Gary during this journey. We are so honored.

God May Be Calling Gary Home Soon

This morning Hope had to rush Gary to the hospital-he was having a very difficult time breathing.

Yesterday Gary did make it to the doctor for his last visit with his oncologist. Dr. Davidson said there was no more scientifically to do for him. So Dr. Davidson recommended Hospice be brought in to help Hope care for Gary during this time.

We had no idea that the Lord would possibly call Gary home so soon. We knew every day was getting a little worse-Gary struggled to move, to eat, to do any physical activity at all. But when he couldn't breathe this morning, he asked Hope to call an ambulance.

Since he has been admitted, the doctors have sedated him (he was VERY agitated and anxious) and have given him pain medication. Because of this Gary has slept almost the whole day. The doctors suspect he will not be with us much longer than a few more days.

We know and feel the Lord's presence in Gary's room; we know He is holding Gary in his arms. We praise Him for all He has done for Gary through this journey, and we know God can heal Him again on this earth. But we do want what is best for Gary, and he is tired.

We ask for prayers for peace for Gary as he makes his final preparations to go home. He said he is very excited to be going to the Throne Room of the Father, at His feet praising Him. As he has said so many times before, THIS is what he has worked all his life to acheive: to walk with the Father and finally see Him. We know God has many jewels for his crown waiting for Him in His mansion above.

We love you and Gary is so grateful for all of you who have prayed for him through this journey. We know if the Lord wants him to remain on earth longer to do more Kingdom work, HIS HANDS will heal him. And if the Lord wants to bring him home to be with Him, we can't imagine a better place for him. May God forever be praised for all He has done.