I know you'll never read this letter, unless you're somehow able to read over my shoulder as I write it, or as someone else reads it. Fact is, you probably have a lot more important and exciting things to focus your attention on now. But just in case . . .
When the group of us sat together in John and Cathie's family room for the first time a few years ago, maybe we didn't realize in the moment that we were embarking on a journey to "do life" together. Some of us had never even met before.
A few from the original group have needed to move on for various reasons, and others have joined us along the way. But we have become like family. Yes, we're a family--a unique kind of family. And no matter how long someone needs to stay away due to their circumstances, he or she is always welcomed back with open arms.
How could we have known, that first night, that we would form a family, only to have to say goodbye to one of our own just a few short years later, but without actually having a chance to say goodbye?
Not that I would have said goodbye. No way! Because it wasn't supposed to turn out this way.
Except it was. God's in charge of that, and He said it was perfect timing. I can't begin to understand it. I have a zillion questions about what in the world He's doing and why. But I also have peace, because I've learned by now, through life's abundant sorrows, that I don't have to understand. God understands plenty for all of us. And I'm so grateful to Him that He's taught me that I can choose an attitude of joy even when I'm so very sad.
You, our friend and brother, have no more cares. You have no need of someone else's lungs in your body or medications to keep those lungs working. Your struggle is over and You can actually see the King of Kings face to face! The One who made you, the One who lived, died, and lives again for you has made you whole, and I know you're thanking Him right there in His presence. It's amazing! I can't be anything but happy for you!
But I'm sad for us. For your family and friends. For me. How missed you are and will be! The past few years have been big ones for all of us. For me--major surgery, cancer, publishing my first five books--it's like a whirlwind in my mind as I try to wrap my brain around it all. But, there in the center of it, I hear a voice of quiet confidence--yours--praying for me, telling me I can do it, sharing words of wisdom when I've felt like a failure as a parent, always affirming and supporting my husband and our marriage and our child and our parenting . . . the list could go on. I'm speaking for Kevin and Eli, too--thank you.
Your encouragement has meant the world to us, to me. Thank you. Thank you. (Can those words ever be said too much?)
And I know there are many, many, many other people who are thankful for your influence in their lives, especially your beautiful wife and children. The kind of love you have poured into our family, you have poured into countless others as well.
 |
| One of my funniest memories of you: The leaf-blower-paint-roller T.P.-ing machine. Heh heh |
Most sincerely,
Laurie
No comments:
Post a Comment