Thursday, I had the hymn "Softly and Tenderly" in my head. I'm not terribly familiar with it, but about a month ago I heard my husband sing it in a way I had never heard him sing before. It was incredible.At about 6 am Thursday morning, Husband's Dad called to tell us that Michelle, a close family friend, had lost her battle to cancer early in the morning. Michelle and her husband have two little boys, one of whom probably cannot remember a time where his mommy wasn't sick. Still, Michelle put up quite a fight over the last two years, and was an incredible wife and mom. About a month ago she was told her organs were failing, and the family decided to set up a home-hospice care situation for her. On Thanksgiving, things were so bad, Michelle and her husband decided she should go to the actual hospice so they boys wouldn't have to see her that way. Through it all, friends who visited her noted her warmth and love and character shining through everything.
Michelle and her family just a few weekends ago with a John Denver-impersonator. While I wasn't able to attend this party, I heard it was incredible. Michelle and her husband had John Denver played at their wedding and wanted to have another special moment together as a family and with friends.
I've spent the day thinking about how I'm not really sad for Michelle. I'm ecstatic that she is in Heaven, pain-free, cancer-free, most likely having a huge party with other loved ones. I think we all are as joyful as we can be about that. I think that's why the hymn has been in my head all day. What's more perfect?
Softly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me.
See, on the portals he's waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.
Come home, come home.
ye who are weary come home.
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home.
Welcome home, Michelle. You'll be incredibly missed, but welcome home.
Beautiful post, Beth. Michelle and her family have been on my heart all month. I am relieved for her, but so sad for her family. Her bravery was an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I had a friend pass away the day after Thanksgiving...suicide. Very sad. But it is such a comfort to know that she is now in heaven...no more struggling!
ReplyDeleteThanks for inviting us to come by for coffee. I'm sorry you lost your friend, but it is a bittersweet thing to realize that she is joyful and whole.
ReplyDeleteI like your blog title and info, and look forward to peeking in on your posts on future Company Girl coffee days.
How beautiful! I agree, I was so sad for me when my grandfather passed away, but I jsut couldn't be sad for him. His life had gotten so sad with him unable to hear, unable to see well, unabe to care for himself. Now he is in the presence of the Almighty, how precious!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your friend will be missed, but I feel the same way when close one pass. It is a relief to know that they are not feeling anymore pain, and a joy that they are with the Lord. I pray for peace and comfort for her family.
ReplyDeletewell said - better than I ever could have. Thanks Beth.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry about your friend..I pray that her husband and children feel the loving arms of God around and about them.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your friend. "Softly and Tenderly" has always been one of my favorite hymns. May the God of all comfort comfort her family.
ReplyDeleteBeth, could you e-mail that picture of Michelle and her family? I'm sad that after all the time we spent together, I have very few pictures of her. . . and I am a scrapbooker, so that would be very meaningful to me.
ReplyDeletecoloradobourques@msn.com
Thanks you!
Angie
Love that hymn, reminds me of growing up. There really is nothing more comforting than knowing our loved ones are in the presence of the Father. It just makes the loss so much easier to bear! Thank you for sharing. Praying for your friend's family.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week
LydiaCate