Ron Hocker's Faith Story

My father had been suffering from brain cancer for several years. He had several surgeries and radiation treatment. He was a resident, as is my mother, in a nursing facility.

Dad was not a deeply religious man but did have a relationship with God and loved gospel music, especially "In The Garden." His condition had worsened and hospice was called. Dad was non-responsive and would last an in-determinant period.
 
The family agreed to schedule time to be with Dad rather than all stay not knowing how long he would linger. It was early morning and Dad was struggling to breathe. My wife had left the room and I was alone at his bedside holding his hand, feeling entirely helpless, with thoughts of not wanting my father to die but knowing his suffering would be over when he did. I started softly humming "In The Garden." Dad calmed almost immediately and died within moments. It was as if God intervened, put Dad at ease and helped him pass. 
 
I will forever believe Dad knew of my presence, felt my touch, heard my voice and was soothed to the point that he realized it was time for his struggles to end and to enter God's Kingdom. Dad died Aug. 10, 2004. My belief in God is strengthened to this day.
 
I asked Pastor Jim Preisig to preach his funeral. Jim did a wonderful job meeting with the family and helping us deal with our loss.  My Dad would have loved the stories of his life as portrayed by Jim and would have been entirely happy.