I know I’ve been slightly M.I.A. from my blog recently. Although I’m out of school for the summer, I feel busier than ever. Kids are home most of the time, photography business is great, and many friends are suffering and in need.
This past week one of my newest and dearest friends lost her husband to neuroendocrine carcinoma–a fancy type of cancer that ravaged his body and robbed him of life for the past two years. Although I didn’t know Jon before he was sick, I knew he was a great father to his three children and loved his family with his whole heart. As I sat next to his bedside with Hope and some other close friends and family members, watching and listening to Jon struggle to breathe, I couldn’t help but wonder why in my short 30 years, I’ve been witness to so many deaths. Literally. I have to believe that there is a higher purpose for this all. If you have any insights, please share…because sometimes I wonder how much more I can endure.
I could go on and on about his wife Hope–her strength, perseverance, faith and her similar philosophy to enjoy life and make the most of it. This family was no stranger to tragedy–their daughter lost the use of her legs at 3 years old in a tragic car accident. Hope is now a widowed mother of three…with one in a wheelchair. Please keep her in your prayers and she continues this journey.
I’m always amazed at how NOT easy life is, but ever grateful that God has always promised that if we rely on him we can pull through. He never promised that life would be easy and simple. In fact, quite the opposite. Psalm 34:19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. John 16:33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
To preserve memories for her children, I took pictures at his Life Celebration Ceremony…(none of us like the f-word). You can see the mixture of pain and joy on people’s faces. It’s so hard to lose someone in this life but at services like this we can rejoice knowing they are now in a better place than even we are. I’m reminded to keep enjoying this life–to rejoice in my sufferings–and most importantly to look forward to the life after this one.
Jon you were loved by many and will be missed by many. My heart aches and rejoices with you, Hope. I love you. God will provide…and so will I
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