My dad, Ira, was 71 when he died on Valentine's Day, 1996.He died from renal cancer that went to his brain and lungs. My Aunt Juanita told me that she believed their father, Bill, also died from renal cancer. I can think of nothing that has hurt my heart more than losing my father. His funeral was held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in College Station. At the '96 Scott Family Reunion, Aunt Newty told me that as his soul was commended, she saw a dove fly from the cross in the front window of the church. Dad is buried in the College Station City Cemetery.

 

When my dad was first diagnosed with his cancer he had surgery to remove his kidney. This was successful and dad did great for five years after that. One day he was out walking with my mom when he suddenly fell. A good Aggie (gig'em) helped my mom get him to their home. Dad had suffered a stroke. He had a little weakness to one side and in undergoing further tests, the MRI revealed the cancer in his brain as a cause of the stroke. Later, they also found cancer in his lungs. The docs didn't give him much time. Dad was very disheartened. We all were because we'd thought he'd "beat it" since he'd had those five good years! Anyway, there were times he called me upset and angry at this situation. I think everyone knows how much family meant to my dad. The thought of his leaving us was very sad. But one day, dad called me, and..he was soooo cheerful and there had been a major change in him. He told me he'd "had a visitor" in the night. I said, "Ok, who was it? He said he believed "it was an angel. I asked right away, "Did mom see it?" He said, No, mama was sleeping. I had to know, What did it look like?"

He said it was "a bright, white being", "But dad?  Maybe you were dreaming?"

He replied "No, it stood at my bedside and touched me on the shoulder"

and? (I had goosebumps by then!)  "And it said, 'Ira, don't worry. It's not your time yet'!"  Soooo??  "I believe there is something I'm supposed to do before I go."  What would that be, dad?  "I have something that happened a long time ago, that I've never told anyone but your mama about." Well, now I was really wondering and almost afraid to ask, but I did.  "When I was a young man, I had a calling--a calling to minister--and...I didn't answer that call. I believe that is what I am to do before I go."  Soooooo.........HE DID! And the man, who had only a short time, lived another year and a half.

 

I felt as if I were going to die when I drove up to my parents home that Valentine's Day and found the hearse parked at the end of the sidewalk. Gene met me on that sidewalk as I tried to decide whether to go in or fall out right there. He held me and told me that dad just went to sleep and then died very peacefully. He'd had his sip of orange juice and bite of Blue Bell ice cream before he slipped into his deep sleep.

 

My mom, Clara, celebrated her 80th birthday on December 30. 2003.   She is a beautiful person! Still younger and stronger than her children! I know she misses my dad a lot. They both loved to travel and enjoyed their church and club activities and they were blessed with many dear friends who are still there for mom. Believe me, mom has done a great job of carrying on that tradition of travel! She goes as much as ever...and...I don't think there is anyone who can out play her at dominos or cards or any of those things she does almost daily with her friends. Dad died about 7 months short of their 50th wedding anniversary.