Goodbyes

I got an email today from my brother-in-law that had news I didn't quite expect to read just today. Back on October 11, I posted a blog about catching up with the Littlefields. When I was out in Kansas, I had a chance to visit with my former pastor and his wife. And this week, he died. I still can't believe it when I look at that picture. It was taken one month ago today. Though he's been ill for some time and on dialysis for quite a while, he seemed stronger than I envisioned he might. He carried on a good conversation and prayed over us before we left that day. He scratched out their email address on a scrap piece of paper and gave it to me.

And he only had a month left. So hard to think about. When I remember him, I can still hear his warm and loving voice over the speakers in our church. He sent cassette tape greetings on ahead in the weeks prior to his arrival at our church. He wanted to let us know how excited he was to meet all of us. He wanted us to know his voice. He loved his people - and we were blessed to have him lead us.

I knew when I walked out of his house that day, that my goodbye to him was likely a forever goodbye. I don't get to Kansas often. But what a treasure it now is to me to have had that hour with him last month. To see him serving faithfully in what were his last days. To be blessed by his prayer one more time. And to be able to say goodbye.

Naomi, I'm praying for you!