Wednesday, May 2, 2007

God's timing is perfect.......

We have a minister friend, Don and his wife, Sharon, who we met several years ago and bonded immediately with them. We visited back and forth in our respective churches and when Edward had surgery for an abdominal aorta aneurysm, Don and Sharon made the trip, the length of our state (a very long state) to visit with us.

Don, full of dry wit and an infectious laugh, always make you feel better about everything. A very able and dedicated mininster, he was all business in the pulpit...

We were with them the first of this year. Edward was supplying at a church a couple of hours from where they live and they came down to church and afterwards we went out for supper. Don was telling us that he planned to retire this year or next and plans that he and Sharon were making. We had not seen them since.

Just shortly after that, Don passed out at work. He was advanced in telecommunications in Atlanta. At first, it was thought that he had experienced a stroke or maybe a heart attack. After much testing, the terrible news was that he had Melanoma on the brain with no outward signs..... He continued working and preaching.....As time marched on, he began treatments and had gamma knife surgery. He never waivered in his faith and encouraged so many people in their Christian Walk. He sent emails proclaiming God's sovereignty and lessons to be learned from his illness. The cancer continued to spread until it was all over his body.

Sharon stood by him and saw to his every need and was such a lesson on what a caring wife should be. She taught us all by example.....

Hospice was called in to begin last weekend..

Last Saturday, Edward, Mike and Kathy (another minister and wife) and I went to visit Don and Sharon. Don was past talking but he recognized Edward and Mike and let them know that he was glad to see them. Sharon knew the end was inevitable, barring a miracle. She needed to talk about arrangements and make funeral plans and just to reminisce with people who knew and loved Don..Coming home the four of discussed how the time had been right for us to go.........

On Monday afternoon, the call came that Don had passed away. He had won the victory and his family had all been present to bid him farewell.

His funeral is to be Saturday with Edward and Mike conducting the service.

We will be going up on Thursday for the visitation and funeral on Friday.

Perhaps if you find it in your heart to pray for Sharon, the three children, grandchildren and Don's family, I know they would appreciate it. There but for the grace of God, it could be me....or you...

This will be our 5th funeral in a little over 3 weeks...........All dear, sweet friends.......

ANOTHER SAD NOTE:



Davis, Baxter and Drew Christmas of 2006




Saturday, Baxter, our daughter Mindy's collie, was hit by a car. He was x-rayed and had no broken bones or internal bleeding but was kept at the vet's hospital. Monday he had not responded much but when her husband went by to visit, Baxter heard Chip talking and he barked and drank some water. Yesterday, he went downhill and after consulting with the vet, it was thought best to put him to sleep. Chip brought him home and buried him beneath an oak tree. Baxter was a beautiful, loving, mannerly friend.....Farewell loyal Baxter.............

16 comments:

Brin said...

Oh, Betty. I'm so, so, so sorry for your losses. I rejoice, however, in the fact that Don has gone home to meet his Savior. What a wonderful day he must be having! Please know that you, your family, and Don's family are in my prayers this morning.

Brin

"I, the Lord... will hold your hand." - Isaiah 42:6

Tina Leigh said...

Good Night...what tragedy Betty. I am sorry for all the bad news but it is always a comfort when someone knows the Lord.

I have been away busy with things the past week too. Miss you as well & we need to plan a time to get together.

Mary L. Briggs said...

So sorry to hear about your friend, but I'm sure that he is rejoicing now! I will pray for Sharon and her family.

Sorry to hear about Baxter. Losing a pet is always hard.

Trella said...

So to hear about your friend, and like Rosemary said I am sure he is rejoicing. I will pray for his family.

Sorry about Baxter, when I was about 9 my aunt's collie was hit by a car. His name was Prince and looked a lot like Baxter. I witness the incident and I still get tears about it today. My sister was about 2 at the time, and the dog pushed my sister out of the way and was killed in the process.

I will pray for your family.

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

What deep sadness you must be experiencing now but we can rejoice knowing that he was a Christian and is in a better place now!! How wonderful to know that. Also I so hope that someday we will find out that animals have their own special place too. AT least i truly hope so. I have two special ones there that I want to see again!! When they die it also leaves a BIG space in your heart.Sandy

Carole Burant said...

Dear Betty, I'm so very sorry to hear that you've lost another dear friend...Don sounds like he was a wonderful man and minister. I'm glad that you got to see him one last time before he passed away. My heart and prayers go out to his family. What a shame about Baxter as well...losing a beloved pet is never easy. xox

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Betty, so sorry for the loss of your friend, but aren't we glad to know where he is now? That's the best news of all.

I'm really sad too about your daughter's doggie. They are such a big part of our lives & it always hurts to lose them.

Rhoda
Southern Hospitality

TO BECOME said...

I am so sorry about your friend but I am so glad he knew those he loved until the end. They will all be in our prayers. I am so sorry about the pet. That is a sad loss. They are such good and true friends. Our prayers are with you all. I know the sad times have to come for us to know when we have the happy times but sometimes it is very hard. connie from Texas

Susie said...

Dear Betty,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, Don.
I will keep his family in my prayers.
So sad also, about Baxter. Many times our pets are parts of our family and saying goodbye is very hard.
hugs

dot said...

Betty, I will be praying for Sharon and Don's family. So sorry to hear about the dog also. This was a sad post but it's the way life is.

Kelli said...

Dear Betty, I'm sorry to hear about Don. I will keep his family in my prayers. I'm also sorry to hear about your dog, Baxter.
Hugs,
Kelli

Candy said...

I will lift them up in prayer. I am so sorry to hear about your friend... Love Candy

HORIZON said...

This is such a heartfelt post Betty. l am so glad that your friend Don had such a strong faith in God- my prayers will be with his wife Sharon and their family. l hope you have safe travels dear friend. You are so right when you say it could be any of us- these things come so suddenly.
So sorry to hear about Baxter too.
All of these funerals must be such a blow to you and your hubby. Stay strong in the Lord.
much love xx

Moobear said...

Betty I am so saddened to hear of the death of your family friend Don and the precious looking dog, Baxter. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.

Claudia

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Betty, I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing, as well as Baxter.

Know that I am praying for Don's family and friends. Don is home, but I know you will all miss him terribly!

Lidy

Sigrun said...

Betty, I'm so sorry to read, that you have lost your dog. Dogs are allways our friends and we had a german shepeard for 12 years.

Sigrun