You Were Holding Linda's Hand

Historians and sociologists tell us that the Internet is one of the 5 - 10 most important developments in the history of mankind! If you have never thought about that before, take a moment and you will understand. It was because of this radical new means of staying connected (which can be negative if it takes the place of face-to-face human interaction, but that is not the case here) that I think of you holding Linda's hand when she went to be with Jesus.

Sunday was an extremely difficult day at our house. A pall hung over us. Her breathing was labored, but we had all ideas that she would be with us another week or two. Because of her pitiful (humanly speaking) condition, I wanted to pray for the Lord to take her, but I could not even think about brining myself to do it! That is just one reason that we need each other so much in the body of Christ. Our family needed YOU to pray for God to end her suffering and bring her to Himself. We couldn't do it, so it was up to you. Several of you have told me that is how you prayed. Thank you. In some day yet to come, I may pray for God's mercy in that way for your loved one when you find it impossible.

So, Sunday was a tough day. Linda's parents decided to return home to take care of a few things that had to be attended to. We really had no idea that she would leave us so soon. I went to sleep Sunday night with a heavy heart. Oddly, I slept fairly well that night.

Monday morning, I awoke with God's mercy and peace flooding my soul. It did not make sense to me, and I certainly was not thinking He was preparing me for the events that lay within an hour of that moment. Linda's breathing was just the same as it had been the night before, but there was a difference in my heart. God was drawing me toward Himself. So, I got out the old laptop and sat on the bed, sharing the details of Linda's journey with you ("This Did Not Take God By Surprise") and the way God was dealing with us through her struggles. Just as I was finishing the post, I became aware (consciously or subconsciously, I cannot remember) that her breathing had slowed. It was not that unusual for her breathing to change, but as I hit "publish post," I became intensley aware that something was different. I ran to her side, where she was still breathing, but her breaths were very quiet and very shallow. I called Michael into the room immediately and we panicked a bit (not as good as we should be at calmly responding to the crisis at hand). We immediately called Hospice just as any discernible breathing ceased. Upon arriving, Jane O'Quin, our wonderful Hospice nurse (Oh, the great people who walked through this with us - we can never adequately thank them!), listened to her heart and detected a slight fluttering. A few minutes later, all connection with life ended.

NO, WAIT - LIFE WAS JUST BEGINNING FOR LINDA! And, through the wonder of Internet, you were holding her hand as she was welcomed into heaven by Jesus, my mother, her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and a host of our and your loved ones who are already there! She is there, but we are still here, missing quite a lady (if you knew her, you know that is inadequate, but what could one possibly say that would be adequate?) Thank you for being there for us, with us, surrounding us! Whenever I write, I know that so many of you are praying and caring ---- and, holding our hands. We will ever be indebted to you.

Our hearts are hurting. We are grieving, but Linda is worth every ounce of grief that is experienced! The fact that the greatest group of brothers and sisters in Christ that could be found (Grace Community Church and all of you!) are walking this painful path with us eases our burden. WE LOVE YOU!