The snow is falling outside this morning, gently adding its soft blanket, pristine, pure, unblemished. But my heart does not feel unblemished. It aches and the tears flow as I type. A mix of feelings struggling to find expression.
No class could ever prepare me for this. No English professor's lessons nor an engineer's logic....they fail the circumstance.
A mix of emotions both joy and sadness, because this is the morning after when logic, faith and love tangle into a raw heap of confusion of what to say and how to say, or even if to say.
Another community post would be so much easier. Safety and comfort in the rote, follow the template, stick to the system.
But last night, Christmas Night, we were blessed with Liz's brother John joining the Lord. We were fortunate to all be at his side. He's battled brain cancer for almost five years, long surpassing the estimate of how long his life with us would continue. But you can't underestimate Faith and the human spirit. He and his family continued to live life fully, knowing he could beat the odds.
And last night, when it was time for him to depart, he held on, continuing to draw breath until his family could join him at his home. Surrounded by his wife, four children, mother, sisters, brother and mother-in-law, I witnessed the love of a family releasing their husband, father, son and brother from the pain and the fight, on to something better. John's breathing became more and more spaced, until quietly there was not another breath.
We both mourn and rejoice. Christmas is not spoiled for us, but just that much more special. There could have been no better day, no better time, no better place.
Your support over the last few months is appreciated more than I can express. There are no words.
All we can ask, is for each of us to appreciate our family and life's gifts.
Amen.
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