Treasured Memories

Last week a friend passed away from brain cancer after being told a few weeks prior to Christmas that he had 3 weeks to 3 months left to live.  My heart breaks for his family – a wife, 4 children, and 5 young grandchildren. 

Saturday I attended his funeral which was really more of a celebration of his life. His children all spoke with strength and courage about the love and memories they shared with their Dad.   But what really touched me was when one of his daughters shared the words that he wrote to them knowing that he had only a short time to live.  I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for him to express what he wanted each child and grandchild to hear after he was gone.  But, in doing so, he has left them with something they can treasure for the rest of their lives.

Although his life was far too short, peace is found in knowing that one day we will see him again because of the grace of our Savior.  Wayne believed this and that faith helped him cope with his struggle.  It was never a spiritual battle … he knew where he was going and found comfort in that.  A friend shared at the funeral that when he was with Wayne a few days before he passed away, the reality that it would probably be the last time he saw him alive overwhelmed him.  But Wayne, seeing that his friend was struggling emotionally, held up his hand and said “it’s OK, I’m just going first … but I’ll see you when you get there”.

 

 

 

 

This sentiment was created by me and is offered as a freebie here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used my copics to color an image created by Margaret Bucklew and you can find it here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used two different ribbons and my bow-easy to make this pretty bow with double loops.

 

 

 

 

 

Take a look at the inside of the card…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please pray for Cathy and her children/grandchildren as they adjust to the loss of a husband and father/grandfather.  I appreciate it and I know they do, too.