Flashback, Family, Faith and Fun

This has been a whirlwind month.  On February 5, my sister went home to be with Jesus after a long battle with brain cancer.  A week later, we honored Marilyn, her life, her faith, and her family.  I'm so grateful for the hope we have in Jesus Christ.  Two days after Marilyn's death, our grandson Sully was born - the first child of our second daughter and her husband.  We've been looking forward to meeting him face to face.  They live in Michigan, over 500 miles away.

This past weekend, I preached at Northside, our three regular services - Saturday night and two Sunday morning, and then Kathy and I headed for that precious little family in Michigan and frankly couldn't wait to hold that baby boy in our arms.  We arrived late - around midnight and he was already in bed.  We caught a glimpse of him, and then went to sleep.  The next morning, we met him and were thrilled to enjoy these past three days with family!  We feel blessed to know that 16 days after he was born, we were celebrating with him in person!

As I reflect on the journey, I have have four thoughts.  To get to their home, you can go the long way around the great lakes through the US - or take the shortcut and go through Canada.  For the first time on this trip, we went through Canada.  At the border, Kathy and I both turned our cell phones off not to incur any extra charges.  For three plus hours it was a flashback to the old days.  No phones, no distractions, just each other - and may I say - it was fabulous.  We talked and shared stories and memories.  I'm so grateful for that time.  I'm so grateful for my wife.

The family part for us this month has meant saying goodbye and hello.  We grieve the loss of my sister, but rejoice in knowing she is with the Lord.  We welcome Sully and can't imagine all the wonderful things God will do in and through his life.  To celebrate the birth of a firstborn with now yet another of our children was priceless.  The trip was also fun.  We bought donuts at Krispy Kreme, and coffee at Starbucks.  I took my son-in-law to class at his seminary, and we visited the church where he serves as an intern and leads the junior high ministry.

We visited our daughter's workplace at Baker Books and enjoyed meals together at favorite places throughout the stay. We even got to watch our favorite Syracuse Orange beat #9 Notre Dame as I proudly wore Syracuse gear all day.  Flashbacks.  Family.  Faith.  Fun.  It's been a month of extremes, but through it all God is faithful!  I'm so grateful.

Reflections On My Sister

Marilyn was just a few months shy of turning eight when I was born.  I grew up as the pesky little brother who was probably a pain in the neck most of the time.  Nevertheless, I knew how much she loved me, and I always looked up to her.  We grew even closer in our adult years. We shared lots of joys and sorrows.  We’ve rejoiced at the birth of our children and celebrated wonderful events in their lives together.  We’ve shared many a meal – she was an amazing cook. 

We stood together and buried our Dad.  She was 28 and I was 21.  Never did we think we would say goodbye so early to the man who was our hero.  Nevertheless, she married a man who has become a new hero to me.  Today I saw again the depth of the love of her husband, Rocky, and I can’t begin to describe how grateful I am for the care he provided for her in these years. 

In October of 2011, I got a phone call from my brother-in-law.  Marilyn had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Two months later we gathered in Burlington, Vermont, where she received great care and had a successful surgery considering the extent of the tumor. 

We knew from that day on her days were numbered, but we also cherished the time we had.  In his mercy God gave us just over three more years.  Though her days were challenging, she was amazingly strong to the end.  The day after Christmas her condition deteriorated.  January 2, she was admitted to the nursing home.  Today she went to be with Jesus. 

I’ve believed in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, since 1973.  I have never believed Him more than I do today.  In good days, and bad – happy times and sad – He is faithful and trustworthy.  Marilyn’s hope was in the Lord.  The Bible says that to be ‘absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.’  She’s with Jesus now. 

Her sons had both had wonderful extended visits with her recently.  Kathy, Emily and I had visited her just a couple of weeks ago.  Mom and I just went up yesterday and came back this afternoon.  I watched her Mom say goodbye to her today knowing we would not see her again and her time was short.  I spoke my final words to her and said goodbye.  I told her I would see her on the other side!!! 

My brother-in-law, called tonight.  She had passed into eternity.  She was so ready to meet the Lord.  I can’t imagine the joy, and delight there is now.  What she believed by faith, she now sees in person. 

Pray for her husband, her two sons, and daughter-in-law.  Pray for her Mom, and pray for me.  Pray for our extended families and the multitude of people Marilyn’s life impacted way beyond what she realized.  We are all grateful and far richer for having her in our lives. 

I like large families, and I believe God does too.  The story of redemption illustrates his desire for all to come to Him who will believe.  He has already paid the price.  The door is open.  Trust in Him.  My grandfather was one of eleven children.  My wife was one of six.  I’m blessed to have five  - four living and one with Jesus (a miscarriage and a happy reunion one day). 

I only had one sibling.  She was enough.  He never makes a mistake.  God knows how easily distracted and sidetracked I can get, so call me crazy, but I believe this amazingly personal God said – I’m going to give this guy one sibling – a sister.  She will be kind, strong, an encourager, she will love to serve others, she will fall in love with Jesus and demonstrate genuine faith in simple ways before a watching world, and before her younger brother. 

To see someone like Jesus, I never had to look farther than Marilyn.  In recent years she was my go to person.  When I needed an objective ear, someone who believed in me, and someone who would tell me I wasn’t crazy, and God could use me, she spoke life into my soul.  I could never thank her enough for that.  I missed her when I left the nursing home today.  I miss her now.  But I am relieved.  She is home.  No pain.  No sickness.  No death.  Like my pastor used to say – ‘They’ll be no grave stones on the hillsides of glory!’ 

Marilyn, I would have been grateful for more years, but I cherish the 56 we had.  You are amazing.  You are my hero.  I will never forget you.  You have left a beautiful legacy through your sons, and your husband was a champion to the end.  Until we meet again, I’m going to keep working on bringing some more with me just like you did!!!