August 10- He was deteriorating fast. So the wedding happened that evening.
August 12- 11:20 pm. “Mike just passed.” We were in bed asleep. A storm had come through the night before and delayed our leaving by a day. If not, we would have been there. I failed him. I failed Janna. I failed God. That is the feeling I will have to deal with. My last interaction with him-other than texting while getting his treatment-was me riding back to the house with him after a meal at an Amish restaurant talking about a matter he would need to be aware of because it would involve Janna eventually. All the while I now wonder if he had things on his mind about how he felt. I never talked to him about Jesus. Never had the chance to. I have no idea where he is today.
September 19- Two days away. A “celebration of Mike’s life” takes place at the Pickleball club he and Janna played at a lot. Jo and I plan to be there. Tami will be unable to go with us. We don’t know anyone. The only common element is Mike and Janna. No question it not be like the gatherings we normally go to. No question that Jo and I will be like fish out of water. We will be there for Janna and to honor Mike. I wish I could have the reassurance of seeing him again. Maybe I will. Maybe he opened his heart to Jesus in the past and reaffirmed that as his life was ending. He wanted us to come. Maybe it was to talk “assurance” and forgiveness. I’ll never know. I do know that I loved him and appreciated all he did for Janna and bringing her back from the brink of despair. I’m not his judge, but I trust the ONE who is.
All that to ask for your prayers this weekend as Jo and I head over to Ohio early Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. Please keep praying for Janna as she deals with life without the love of her life. Pray that she finds refuge in the arms of Jesus.
Praying for all of you, Bill. It’s so hard to watch our children hurting–no matter how old they are.
Thanks Pam. And I most certainly agree with you.
Prayers for you all, Bill. Yes, trust in the One who never fails us.
Absolutely Martha.
Prayers lifted for all of you, Bill. May God surround you with His comfort and love especially at this time.
Thank you for your prayers Martha. They mean much.
Lifting the family up in prayers, and I will continue to do so. I pray as the family walks through this time of grief and loss, that God our Father who walks with us, will bring you comfort and peace, and surround you with His love.
Thanks Gail. I know God does. I just pray Janna realizes it as well.
Praying for your family, Bill.
Thanks Glynn