Thursday, February 23, 2012

Sadness

My heart hurts.
My best friend lost her husband
to cancer yesterday.
He was 57.

Raymond was such a special man.
In our 33 year friendship, I never heard 
him raise his voice, yet he raised two sons. 
They grew into men 
who loved and respected him.

He lived his religion without preaching it. 


For many years he had a sign ministry at our church.
Members, the community, and travelers who passed our church
were uplifted by his weekly messages.
It was just something he wanted to do.

He and Beverly started a porch ministry.  
They welcomed new people to the church
with a short visit right after they first attended.

He and Beverly were happily married for 34 years.
I remember her saying she couldn't remember 
a time when they weren't married.
 

We had a wonderful visit with them three short weeks ago.
We made some wonderful memories, not knowing they would be our last.
I wish we had taken pictures, but we just did ordinary things.


This is a picture of Raymond and his granddaughter.


He was loved by many and will be missed.




14 comments:

Ivy and Elephants said...

My prayers go out to you in your time of sorrow. I think we have to share burdens as well. We are here for you, your blogging friends.
Hugs,
Patti

my thrifty closet said...

oh dear so sorry to hear...he sounds like an amazing guy! I believe he left behind a wonderful legacy. Take care Patricia, my prayers go out to you and your friend's wife and family. It must be hard but take comfort that he is now at a better place!

mongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

Lyosha Varezhkina said...

so sorry to hear that! he was so young! it's definitely not time to die. I'm very sorry and praying for you all.

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear of your loss ... this is so sad. It seems as if he touch many with his love and generous heart.

Praying for you guys and for his family too.

Kathy M.

Cory (playdates and prescriptions) said...

Your blog still isn't showing up on mine so i just saw this. You did a good job writing it though.. and my heart hurts too. :(

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry about your friend's death Patricia. I can understand for your sake why you regret not taking pictures the last time you were together, but there is usually so many abnormal parts of a sick person's life that he probably appreciated that at the end of his time that you were good enough friends to put the "sick" behind and see him as the person he was. I'm sure that meant a lot to both he and Beverly.

With the good deeds he did for others, I'm sure there will be many people who miss him and will rejoice in seeing him again in our forever home someday.

I'll be thinking of you and his family.

Kathleen said...

May he rest in peace . I will say a prayer for your friend. My dear friend just lost her dh too. It was very sudden.
My dad died at 50. Way too young.

Lyosha Varezhkina said...

it brakes even my heart it all turned like that for you all. And again pray your friend.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

What a wonderful tribute. 57 is way to young to pass away. Cancer is an awful disease. Blessings for his sweet wife and family.
Hugs,
Jann

Liesl said...

I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and sending my best! I can only imagine how difficult this must be and to lose someone at such a young age. Sending a few extra smiles your way! <3

Sharon said...

I am so sorry to hear this...I know how you feel...my good friend also just lost her husband...just 5-6 weeks ago. He was only 50 years old..and still had a child in junior high. So sad for your loss.
Sharon
For some reason, I have not been getting updates when you post...I need to figure out why??

Diana Joy said...

I'm sorry for you and his family.. hard to lose good loving people. Take care.

Debbiedoos said...

So sorry to hear about your friend, that is sad, so young.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

I am so truly sorry.

My condolences to you and to his widow and to all whose lives he touched with his loving gentle nature.

May he rest in peace till the return of The Risen Lord!