Dan left this earth on December 26th 2008 to be with Jesus. He was an amazing man, husband, father, son, brother and friend who will greatly be missed. He fought the cancer with everything he had but in the end, Jesus needed him more. I am at peace knowing he is no longer suffering and living the perfect life in heaven with our Lord. Oh how I miss him and long to hold him again....one day I will.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support.
Blessings Always,
Shelly
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Have you ever been Misunderstood?
It Happens! Just the other day, a man asked me if I have ever lost anything in my life that meant more to me than the breath I take.
I paused..and said tell me about your Story.
He said his Son wrote him a letter telling him how scared he was. How men were under his command and that they were to engage an enemy in uncharted territory within the next few hours.
The Father went on to say that his Son wrote him this letter before his mission...
'...Dad, when I signed up it was first to make you proud of me. Soon I realized the gleam in your eye was the pride you felt in me and that the very decisions I made as a man were the ones that confirmed your hard work of daily sacrifice in coaching my character to Christ-Likeness. It was you, Dad, who showed me that no matter the circumstance, through tragedy or triumph, our Heavenly Father deemed purpose for me. It wasn't just a statement, but your sacrifice when Mom passed all those years ago, which gave me courage at times I thought there was no chance of victory in sight....It was your model and disciplined character of grace and love which has truly shined as a model example of who Christ is in me. Finally, I understand! In just a few hours I will be asking my team to trust me in decisions I will make for them. They will need Faith. Something which they cannot see, but will need to trust. Most of them have only served with me for only the past few weeks. I can only imagine what their thoughts are. But here I am, in this position. Your in my thoughts and I cannot help but be reminded of Gods glory manifested through your strength. Dad, thank you for being a vessel for our Heavenly Father to love through! You have and always will be my truest Hero...'
The Dad, with tears running from his eyes, caught his breath and said that his Son saved 32 men and women last week by throwing himself on a bomb which had been directed to kill his Platoon and bi standards. 'A group of children happened to be crossing the road to school that day. My Son was approached by a Farmer. Seeing what appeared to be a bomb attached to the mans chest, my Son screamed out, throwing himself on the man. The bomb was detonated.'
Our conversation opened with a simple question which I asked, 'Sir, tell me the top three most important business needs you have.'
Not realizing at the time, people are driven by personal goals which create momentum for business. And in reality, business in its most simplistic state, is 'service to others.' Setting self aside for the service of others is the very first step towards real success in life and relationships.
We each face these principles of challenge to triumph. Each of us are posed with questions at times which bring us to the place of discovery. The place where we shed 'fear and doubt.'
My Brother Dan and I shared some time together before he passed. We spoke about his family, his goals (both short-term & long), but most importantly his purpose.
This year we connected in such a way of spiritual friendship and brotherhood which Christ alone bonds. His hair, like mine, was Finally falling out! We joked and spoke of the stupid inventions which made men millions. Yet it was the common denominator of fulfilling our purpose of establishing those connections with family and friends which weighted out the conversation.
He spoke of a purpose to minister through prayer to families and individuals in need. Church going or not, just anyone who would listen.
I saw a man change this year. Change into a Beingness of expression. Expressing faith, love, kindness and generosity. A man who new his place and purpose. A man without fear and doubt. A man with God, a man 'of God.'
Life is meaningless without forgiveness. To let go and begin to live is the first step towards true success in life. Sometimes that forgiveness begins with 'self.'
I compiled music, lessons, and motivation for Dan. With all the negative discourse we hear through media, co-workers, friends and family, it was a nice taste of new flavor which tends to bring the buds wanting more. A great song by Mercy Me, 'Keep Singing' continued to rattle my soul as I thought of Brother Dan lying in his hospital bed...looking at the picture of his family.....envisioning the future...TOGETHER!
There is no doubt, as I stated when I last spoke with you...'Soon, I'll see you soon.' Shel and the kids will live with your blessing of love along with our Fathers strength and peace. Moving forward til that day when we are brought to perfect glory.
Fear and doubt are no longer luxuries. It is our position to live in Purpose. With or without understanding. That's why it is called FAITH!!!!
Lean upon HIM and not your own understanding. Though we change, God is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow. HE is Faithful!!
~ ENDURE
Ken, I LOVE YOU! Thank you for the amazing story and your heartfelt words. You knew my husbands heart! Thank you for your friendship and for loving him! He will be in our hearts until we meet again. (((HUGS)))
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