We knew he would be anxious to join his beloved wife. Yesterday morning, my old friend Comer passed away. He lasted only a couple of weeks from the death of his dear wife, Evelyn, and never really recovered from that loss. I am sad, but feel also a touch of wonder and joy. I know at this moment, freed from the devastation of Alzheimers, old aching joints, and terrible pain, they are dancing in Heaven in the light of The Lord.
Later in the day, I was on Facebook and read about the horror unfolding in Newtown, Connecticut. My dear cousin, Sue, used to work at the school where the murders occurred. She has lived there her whole life. She knew many of the people there. Her own son was home sick, and therefore safe. That was not the case for many of her friends.
A 93 year old man like Comer who has lived many years a good and glorious life, can pass on to Heaven, and while there is grief, it is the fate of all mankind, and expected at a certain point. But children should not die. And they should never see their years cut short by violence. It makes no sense and it is unbearable.
Knowing Comer as I did, I feel quite certain that as those sweet children from Newtown enter the pearly gates, he and Evelyn will spread open their arms and beckon them to dance with them, in a place where evil will never touch them again.
On the other hand, those left here still struggling on earth are wailing and numb. The best we can do is cling to those we love, and pray.
Psalm 31:9 (NIV)
Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.
Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, [12] that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
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Thank you so much Vicky. I'm so sad to hear of Comer's death, but the thought of him welcoming the beautiful children in heaven provides a tiny light on this very dark morning. My deepest sympathy to you and Comer's family.
ReplyDeleteSue, he loved children, so I can easily visualize him hugging them as they gather around him. The perspective of eternity is the only way I can cope with earthly loss. Love to you and your community
DeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, Vicky. Mary Ann
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary Ann. It is a sad week of loss , isn't it? Praise God for people like my cousin Sue who is reaching out to help others in Newtown. I saw a FB post about how to deal with so much horror that I really liked- focus on the helpers. The helpers restore one's sense of hope.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the loss of your friend, Comer.
ReplyDeleteThere's no words to say over the tradegy in CT, my heart is just breaking for those families.
Vicky, I am saddened to hear about Comer's death. This has been a trying week for our nation and I am having a hard time with the thought that someone could do something so horrific. Your thoughts that Comer and he beloved are welcoming those children into the God's world is comforting. I know plenty of other angels who are doing the same :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of Comer's passing. I was just talking to an 86 year old WWII vet about the book you had written about Comer. So happy that he was able to see it published, and to be there for the book signing with you. What a joy you were to him in his final days on earth!
ReplyDeletethank you Wendy, and everyone for your words of comfort and kindness.
ReplyDelete