8 Year Homecoming

8 years ago at midnight on June 19th, 2006, I said good night to my husband and my best friend not knowing that would be the last time I would look into his eyes. As I knelt beside his hospital bed in our living room, I touched his head gently, as to not startle him from his rest, and I whispered, "It's just me...wanting to say good night." He opened his eyes, looked at me and said, "Just you? There is no such thing as "JUST" you." And then he smiled up at me.

And those were the last words he spoke to me.

I write this today as an encouragement to everyone reading it - live each day to the fullest. Enjoy every moment, every sun set, every laugh, every tear, every THING!!! And only God could have known, in that moment, that day would just be the beginning of His Glorious Unfolding in my own life. I praise the Lord every day for not only the blessings, but the trails, the life I lived at such a young age, the love I have known, not just once, but now twice. To God be ALL the Glory!!!!

 "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, 

because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 

perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

And hope does not put us to shame, 

because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts 

through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

~Romans 5:3-5 NIV~

So many of you were apart of that life and on this 8th anniversary, I say thank you. Being swallowed in the midst of it all at the time 8 years ago, I did not take enough time to say thank you. So now I will try, in some small way. Thank you for the meals, the cards, the visits, the prayers, the love, the support, and the encouragement to help my grieving heart heal with each passing day, month, and now years....thank you.

When ever there is a significant loss, many people will say, "time will heal". I don't like that phrase. Instead, I always share with people that "time helps, but Jesus heals." It is a truth I stand by every day. No matter the number of days I have left on this earth, not one single one goes by that I don't remember my late husband Daniel. He is never far from my heart. I grieve his passing every day no matter how much time has gone by; but Jesus is the solid rock on which I stand and I know with out a doubt in my mind, Daniel and I will meet again. Jesus conquered death so we can live forever. Time helps, but Jesus HEALS! Daniel was not a victim of brain cancer because Jesus was already the Victor over death. Until we meet again....

To learn more about Daniel, read notes that he wrote as his time on Earth was nearing it's end, and to see the journey the Lord had us on, you can go here -- Life in the Lion's Den