The fam

It has been over a week since Jill fell into the arms of her Savior, Redeemer. I have had much time to reflect on the event.

I got the call around 6:00 Friday morning. I new something was up when my cell rang and wayne was on the other end. "Have you heard?" Heard what? "Jill is not doing good, it sounds like Matt all over again." My heart sank. I had this feeling like she wasn't going to make. I felt bad for not really holding out hope. I knew that I had to go. I called my boss got his voicemail and said, "screw it I'm going." of course that is what i said in my head. I met wayne at his house around 7:00 and we headed out. We talked about the usual stuff on the way down, occasionally we would be quiet. I believe we were both praying.

We got a call around Daniville that she took a turn for the worse.(we were headed to Indy where she was with her family for the weekedn) We flew the rest of the way there. When we got there I saw here dad and sister first. I gave them hugs, which was the only thing I could think to do. (tim keep your mouth shut...you will probably say something trite and offensive to try and comfort them, like this must be in God's plan...yeah right!) Anyway when I saw Jeff (the dad) i just about lost it. This man was so broken, I could literally feel the pain as I wrapped my arms around him. I love this guy and his kids. It was excrutiaiting to watch them. As time went on they gave the family their own waiting room.

As Wayne entered the room I knew it wasn't good. I pulled him aside and asked what was going on. He told me. Her body basically was shutting down, not much time. We gathered in a circle and prayed. Someone broke out in song, so we sang. The prayers were honest, heartfelt and I believe heard by our loving God. We hugged for a bit. I saw three people face down praying to the Soverign. As i was witnessing this awesome display of faith i was pulled to colossians. I was reminded that Christ holds all things together even in a chaotic time like this.

The doctor came in. she coded again. The grief was overwhelming. We prayed again but this time they were for her and suffering. They were already thanking God for what he had done through her life. But the pain was so real, so numbing. A few minutes later a different doctor came back and said she was gone. The family just stood there. All i remember was her son walking towards me, breaking down as he got to me. I held him and thought God thank you for letting me be here and love these people in this time of loss. Let me tell you, I was hurting but it was nothing in comparsion to pain the kids, Jeff, ffej, Kristi and all who were there and connnected to this beautiful lady were feeling.

I am totally amazed by the family's faith. It was an inspiration and totally humbling to witness. It is something that I will never forget. I pray that God will use me to encourage the family. Jill and Jeff did an excellent job of raising their kids to simply love Jesus. Jill had a childlike faith that was infectious. I will write about that another time.

I have to say this was rather theraputic but no way could encompass what really happened that day. If you haven't told your spouse or children that you love them, get off your butt and doing it.

peace.