My father passed away yesterday after battling cancer for a little over two years. He had his 66th birthday in October and he asked me for the new Vince Gill album because he wanted to share a song with me. I look for it, but couldnt find it immediately. Even Walmart was consecutively out of it. His health worsened and last week we had to put in a Hospice Care facility. I kept checking back at Walmart to no evail. 3 days ago my father went to sleep and could not be roused. Finally, yesterday as I took a few moments away from his bedside I found the new cd at Walmart. I went to my father's bed knowing only that the song he mention was something about Home. When the Almost Home track began I playing, I could see his eyebrows raise. I listened to that sond and cried like a baby on fathers chest. I have tried hard to be a good son and in the last few years our relationship has grown. Hearing the words of Almost Home and knowing he felt that way about me means more to me than I can explain. I continued to listen to other tracks until Tell Me One More Time About Jesus came on. During this song, my father smiled. I could not believe this. I played it again and he smiled again... Within a few moments his breathing changed and my father passed away listening to the song about Jesus that Vince Gill wrote. From one son to another Vince, I thank you for making my father's passing a beautiful one and for giving he and I give the gift of your words and our love to share. I wil remember it always.

Sincerely,

Wade Esau

My thoughts go out to you during this difficult time. Thanks for sharing this with us all.

I hope you have the opportunity to share these special moments with Vince sometime. You are in my prayers.

So sorry for you loss. Will keep you in my prayers.

Oh Wade, I'm so sorry to hear about your Daddy! Just to see him smile I'm sure warmed your heart considerably and knowing that he loved you and felt close to you was just a little bit more special.

Please know that I'm sending up a prayer for strength and comfort for you in this trial.

So sorry for your loss. God Bless .

Wade,
I just lost my father on Thanksgiving Day. I know how you are feeling. I can't imagine how very special those moments were with your Dad, and sharing Vince's songs with him, seeing a reaction from him is something very touching that will stay with you forever. I am remembering you in prayer, and thank you for sharing that story with us. I also hope you get to share it with Vince someday.

Wade,
So sorry to hear about your fatherbut you have special moments to remember and Vince's comforting song and i hope you can tell Vince some day that story how it put a smile on your dad's face.
you have my prayers
Shirl- Lady Gill.

Wade so sorry to hear of your dad's passing - prayers are going out for you and your family. What a memory you will have though of that day - I'm sure Vince would be pleased to know that his music helped in some way with a difficult situation.
Grissy - so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Prayers for you and your family also.

Sorry to hear about your loss....my prayers are with you and your family....God Bless. Yoli

Dear Wade,

I am sorry for your loss. Your story is so touching and I sure hope you will share it with Vince someday. The peaceful passing you were able to help him experience is something I think all people hope for. Love & Light to you

Wade, you can be assured that many prayers are going out for you and your family and your loss. We are so sorry for your loss.

I want to thank everyone for their supportive words, thoughts and prayers. I was crying as I wrote the original post and I hope that I was able to paint the beautiful and amazing picture of what my father and I exerienced accurately and vividly. We had his funeral Saturday and during the receiving of friends we played both Tell Me One More Time About Jesus and Go Rest High On The Mountain. It was touching and beautiful. For the rest of my life I will be thankful to Vince Gill and what he gave me. Words will never express how much his words, put to song, mean to me. More than platinum or awards, he allowed my father and I to share something that most will never experience. I hope that someday I will be able to shake his hand and share the full story of my father and I and the road that he helped build that brought us finally together. I live in Knoxville and know that someday our paths will cross and from one son to another I will thank him. I only wish that there was some way I could thank him properly. Being the Icon that he is, it is close to impossible to simply say thank you. Again, thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. They are not wasted, for the emptiness that I feel is somewhat filled with your kindness. With love and affection,
Wade Esau

Wade:

In 1993, I was able to share a very similar story with Vince. I cried the entire time. He teared up with me and he comforted me as I cried. I had lost my Dad, too. I hope for your sake that you will be able to face-to-face thank Vince and share your heart-warming story. It will be so comforting to you to do so. A simple "thank you" goes a long way with Vince Gill! GOD bless you, and may your Father rest in peace.