Today we flew home for a funeral. Not just any funeral. Two weeks ago a good friend of mine took her husband to the hospital for shortness of breath. The ER determined he had blockages in his chest and admitted him for bypass surgery the next morning. Before surgery could begin, he experienced cardiac arrest and it was then that they noticed he had several clots in his lungs.
He was sedated and they administered medicine to remove the clots, but it wasn’t working. He was transferred to another hospital where there was a surgeon who could go in and try to remove the clots himself. The surgery itself was incredibly life threatening, but without it, my friends husband would surely die.
He survived the surgery but his body never fully recovered. Organs began shutting down and his blood clotted sporadically. My dear friend spent 2 weeks on an emotional rollercoaster, as her sweet husband would take 1 small step towards improvement and then 2 giant leaps backwards. Eventually he lost the battle and was laid to rest peacefully this afternoon.
It seems strange to say it, but the funeral was lovely. The church was filled to capacity with friends, family and business associates. There were beautiful songs and flowers. Two men stood up and gave an account of the deceased man. They told funny stories and we all laughed. They told how much he loved his family and we all cried. They praised this guy who was a leader in the community: coaching his kids’ ball teams, organizing town events, helping people in need. He loved people and loved telling them about Jesus, his Lord and Savior.
It’s easy to rejoice in a life well lived. And as I sat there, I was happy to know that my friend’s husband was experiencing peace and love in heaven like he had never known on earth. But how much harder to find joy when that life is short. When a young mother and 7 children are sitting on the front row, 3 little girls in tears and 4 young men, sitting straight and tall, dressed in suits, prepared to take on the responsibility their daddy left for them.
Oh, how heart broken I am for Kim and her kids. I have known this family for almost 6 years. We’ve homeschooled together. Our kids have played together. We’ve worked together, painted together, and even had a “spa day” together. They are so much fun to be around and I’ve come to love each and every one of them. Why this has happened is not for me to say, but one thing I can tell you for sure: she will have her doubts, she will wonder why, she will think she can’t make it on her own…and ultimately, she will continue to put her faith in God and press on in His strength, and she will not only survive, but she will flourish.
Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
