A Time to Die
July 1 2021
On June 15, 2021, my spouse of 42 years was suddenly taken away from me. She died from complications due to outpatient surgery. This is not something that anyone can prepare for; so, I along with my children are in shock and a state of disbelief. She always thought I would precede her in death and quite frankly so did I.
Her home going celebration was held on June 24th and more than 2500 people viewed the service in person and via Facebook live streaming. That gives you some indication of how much she was loved and respected.
I could never get my wife to talk about our death. She would always say, “I don’t want to talk about it. I know it is going to happen, but I don’t know if I could live without you or if I would even want to”. And I would respond by saying “you know it is something we will have to face someday”. Little did I know it would happen so early in our lives. I actually thought we had at least another 18-20 years before one of us would face our demise.
We had lots of plans for our future with each other and our children and grandchildren. I had been retired for only two years and COVID restricted us for one of those two years. We were getting excited about being able to get out and do more.
Ecclesiastes 3:2 tells us there is a season to be born and a time to die. On February 16, 2021 our grandson Jaxon, was born and on June 15, 2021, Salemma, my wife passed. We are now adjusting to our new reality.
Over the years, I have presided over several funerals and offered words of encouragement to families. Now I find myself taking that same medicine I administered to others. The same God I told them would comfort and strengthen them is now comforting and strengthening us during this very difficult time in our lives. I am encouraging my children and praying for their strength each and every day. I know with God, we will get through this.
Amen.