The associate minister at our church just lost her husband. He was 68 and very involved with the youth at the church as was she. It was a happy second marriage for both and a fairly recent one. He had just survived a year long battle with cancer and was pronounced clear from it. They worked together at the major hospital in the area. He had a heart attack. His wife was administering CPR for 30 minutes before EMS arrived. He got to the hospital and suffered a second attack. Again was stabilized. Then awhile after it was determined his heart was too damaged and nothing more could be done. He passed the next day.
At the memorial service his wife was a pillar of strength. I think of all those who are wasting away for long periods of time with no quality of life. This man was a wonderful contribution to the church. At Easter he and his wife wore Easter bunny hats and organized an Easter egg hunt for the children. Such a sad and tragic loss and so premature. It is hard to imagine retaining faith after all that but I believe his wife will. We are fairly new members and she told us how grateful she was to have us attend. It just shows how we should try to live our best lives while we are still able to.
This couple had a second chance at love. He had a second chance at life and then suddenly it was gone.
I am happy to see that she won’t lose her faith after going through this tragedy. It’s very easy to question our faith when our heart is broken.
It sounds like your associate minister has a lot of support from the congregation. That’s a good thing.
She will grieve her loss. The congregation will mourn alongside. It takes time to process such a devastating loss.
Wishing all of you peace as you grieve.
Your chance to provide support to this lovely person.
I would bet a part of her grace comes from their shared love, and from the fact there was little unresolved in their relationship and they shared love and common goals and interests. They were happy people. They had much to be thankful for, and she IS thankful.
How sad to lose such a fine person from our world when fine folks are so very needed.
Thanks for you note to us because some days you just need to hear that folks are doing this life honor.
...........And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
And he said...
Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying.........