Pain endures through the night, but a shout of joy comes with the morning

As you can see from the blog below this one, it was kind of a long night in the Hospice Hospital. D is restless and things are beginning their final changes. I think for long periods and try to make sense of all this. And just when the night seemed the longest and the darkest, an encouragement arrived with the dawn in the form of an email from a dear, lifelong friend. She wrote the email to D and asked me to read it to him. I believe that he heard me as I read her precious words:

 

Dear D,

I am writing you a thank you note because I want to say thank you for being the husband that my dear friend deserves.  In the past fourteen years, you have shown her that you love her and appreciate all her talents and giftings.  You valued her and showed her that she had great worth; I have seen her confidence be rebuilt and grow throughout her marriage to you.  Because of you, she got to experience being in love and being loved!    I remember R telling me after returning from your honeymoon that just holding hands with you was wonderful and that “fireworks still happen”J 

 You provided her children with the model of a father and husband that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.   They saw a man who was dependable and true to his word.  They saw a father who loves their mother, holds them to a standard and receives them as his own. 

 You provided R with a house that you made so beautiful with your woodworking skills and other building talents.  Just as important, you valued her input as you shared this common interest in the house remodeling and the Mission style furniture; I know that she sees your love for her with every replaced baseboard, cabinet and door frame.  

I am so thankful that God put you in R’s life and she has shared these past 14 years with you.  I know she has been amazingly strong throughout your illness, and I truly believe that strength is based on the fact that she knew you loved her and she could let herself love you in return.  I admire you both so much – you are both a testament to the faithfulness of God despite difficulties in this life.  Knowing that He is enough for you both helps me to know that He will always be enough for me.

Thank you for being the man you are.  My friend R will be blessed all her days by your life.  I hope my life will make an impact on those around me like yours has.  Thank you.