Today is the last day of a very difficult year.  There is a small part of me that would like nothing more than to disappear as quickly as this year will, at 11:59 p.m.  The kids and I have suffered a great loss this year.  Everything now feels strange and foreign.  We struggle to move forward, accepting God's will.  Accepting His plan for our lives.  Knowing we could do nothing more to save Mike and keep him with us.


There is comfort remembering Mike's smiling face, his gentle spirit, his contagious laughter, his strong hugs, and the leader he was to our family.  We wrestle with an unrealistic hope that this could all be just a bad dream.  We can't imagine not seeing Mike's face again, this side of heaven.  So thank you for your patience with us, as we continue to try and cope. From all I hear or read, it's going to be a lengthy process. 


Recently we found a picture that has given our family a little peace of mind and comfort.  For many of you who may not know the other person in this photo, it is of Brother David McLemore, former pastor of Second Baptist Church, where we once attended.  Mike and Brother David use to play tennis together and loved giving each other a hard time.  Sadly, Brother David went to be the Lord in 2008, after fighting cancer and some other medical issues. 


Since Mike first passed away..it was hard to imagine him being really gone.  It's as if we continue in hope that he'll come through the front door saying this was all a horrible hoax.  But we know that isn't reality and we are reminded of what our Bible tells us, that Mke is with God, because he believed and trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and made him Lord of his life.


This picture gave us something small and tangible we could comfort ourselves with, imagining Brother David in heaven greeting Mike, laughing as they always did, in each others company.  It brings our hearts a little peace, joy, and hope...knowing one day...we will receive the same joyful reunion.  I'm so grateful for that promise of heaven where there will be no more sorrow....no more tears.  Happy New Year.


The Far Side Banks of Jordan


I'll admit my steps are growing wearier each day
Still I've got a journey on my mind.
The hurts of this old world have ceased to make me want to stay
My one regret is leaving you behind.


If it proves to be His will that I am first to go
And somehow I've a feeling it will be.
When it comes your time to travel, likewise don't feel lost
For I will be the first one that you see.


Chorus:
And I'll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan.
I'll be waiting drawing pictures in the sand.
And when I see you coming, I will rise up with a shout
And come running through the shallow waters,
Reaching for your hand.