The Symphony
Thursday, September 10, 2009 My brother-in-law is dying and heaven is alive with motion. The symphony of activity is especially amazing just before death.
I've been with many in their final days on earth and it happens every time: you can see heaven intervening, calendars synchronizing, grace given when it normally wouldn't be. You can see that the orchestration is from the God we know as our Father.
Dennis was in great distress on Monday morning. At 3:00 AM we called the paramedics and we needed to get him to the hospital. He didn't want to go but heaven intervened. He went.
At the hospital he needed to be admitted immediately but we really wanted him to go to Hospice House where he would have the best care. In walks an angel called J'Nene. She was from Hospice and a bed had opened up. If we could get Dennis there that day the bed was his. He didn't want to go...but heaven intervened. He went.
Sandy (his sister, my wife) needed to transfer his two trucks into our name. Everything was going smooth until they told her she needed emissions testing on both trucks. Whatever look that came on her face told them they needed to waive the testing. They did.
Dennis needed a day where he was coherent so friends could come and see him and truly interact with him. That day was yesterday. Every friend he needed to see was there and everything that needed to be said was said. It was a good day.
He really needed to have a good time with his kids. He did, and they did.
My girls have been there every day, every time he needed them. Every time.
And, every time Sandy, me, or my two kids needed a break, some sleep, some food, or some comfort, a window opened up and it was provided. Every time.
Today is the next day in Denny's life. His pain is worse and his breathing more labored but he's in charge and they provide exactly what he needs, when he needs it.
And, we finally found out that he and Jesus have done some business and all is well. All is eternally well.
We've got some difficult days ahead but the Great Conductor is doing a marvelous job knowing when to bring up the horns, diminish the tympany, and lightly guide the strings. It's poetry in motion.
Soon we'll say some words, share some stories, scatter his ashes and then we'll all go home. Life goes on, but we'll be one short at the dinner table.
That will never be the same.
Reader Comments (1)
This was so touching to read, like a good score of music, it moves you to your soul.
It is so awesome to watch God work his way when our ways get out of the way...
So glad Dennis is comfortable, and gave not only himself, but his family, friends and all of you the greatest final gift he could have given you, and that is the certain knowing he will be eternally cared for, eternally blessed, where the fishing will be out of this world! : )