I got a weepy phone call this afternoon from one of my very favorite friends. She and her husband are such neat, real people and have stood against some trying circumstances in the past couple of years. When she opened her mouth to speak, she tearfully said, "I've some bad news to share."
My heart sunk. I knew what she was going to say and I settled into my chair. She was going to tell me that something tragic had happened to her husband -- her best friend. But she didn't. Instead, the news was for someone else. Another friend's husband had died this afternoon of a coronary arrest. The story is that he was waiting in line at an amusement park in the heat of the day when he began to feel poorly.
I still haven't decided how to express my condolences. Our families attended the same family-integrated home church for over a year's time until last October. I wouldn't consider myself in her tight circle of friends, but she is so friendly that I sometimes forget that when we do meet up at ladies' nights or baby showers. Do I know her well enough for a phone call? Right now? Maybe I ought to consider myself on the "B" list and wait a few days. Should I write her a letter and send it right away instead?
Left behind is a homeschool family: a 10 year old girl, teen-aged boy and young-at-heart mother. They are strong believers and surely know that their Heavenly Father will. absolutely. provide. for. them. They are today, after all, widows and orphans -- and He holds a special place in His heart for widows and orphans, doesn't He? I pray that the Lord will envelope them each with a peace that surpasses understanding. That Jesus will be their great comfort in such a sad and lonely day.
One thing that this family will not have to waste any time on is regret. They will not regret that they didn't love more, talk more, worship more, fellowship more. They were a family of togetherness and I don't think they made a practice of taking their days for granted. And when they are reunited on the other side of their last breath -- not as husband and wife and son and daughter -- but as the redeemed of Christ, they will never ever have to say goodbye again -- ever.
5 comments:
So Sad. I will be praying for you and your friend.
As a widow( since 1988) I was in shock wen my husband died suddenly. Though I should have been prepared(he had end stage renal disease)I wasn't. The most difficult part is feeling half of your heart is gone, & the fact that all of your friends are couples. Even though you aren't close, I hope you can help if the Lord so leads.
ruth
One thing I learned from being widowed at an early age is this: even if you don't know what to say, say SOMETHING. Every bit helps and encourages broken hearts, even if it's just a card or an "I'm thinking of you" phone call. And you have a wonderful way with words. :-)
you should write just what you did in your blog. i will be praying for you all.
Yes, I agree, you do have a wonderful way with words. What you wrote here is appropriate and would be much appreciated, I'm sure. This family will be in my prayers.
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