The 18th or the 19th? Yes!

“…affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint…” – Romans 5: 3-5

I was not planning on writing much for today but a question has popped up several times over the past couple of days and I wanted to go ahead and address it head on. On more than one occasion people have asked me if Amanda died on June 18th or June 19th. I will give you all the facts and then I will tell you the only logical answer which is very simple.

During the evening of June 18th Amanda’s blood pressure began to fall. I had already gone home for the night but the nurse called to let me know what was happening in case I wanted to come back up to the hospice facility. After notifying everyone about the change in her status, we all returned and rallied around Amanda. It was a very peaceful setting with some sweet Don Williams music playing in the background. Her breathing was labored and a couple of minutes before midnight on June 18th, Amanda took her final breath.

We took a couple of minutes to gather ourselves and I went out to the nursing station to let them know that she had passed. By the time the nurses came in, checked her vitals, listened for a pulse, and officially declared her dead it was a couple of minutes into the new day of June 19th.

So when someone asks me if Amanda died on June 18th or June 19th there is only one logical answer that makes sense and it is very simple. The answer is “yes”. You see, Amanda’s personality, love, and strength for her family, friends, and for this world were so big, strong and powerful that it took God two days to prior her away from us.

You might think that says a lot about Amanda’s personality, love, and strength. I see it a little differently. I’m quite impressed that God was able to accomplish it in only two days. I’ve fought with Amanda before and winning against her is no easy task.

As many of you know, Amanda cherished the small little prayer book she found when my great Aunt Dotty passed away (Prayers for a Woman’s Day). This seems like the right prayer for today.

For Help in Time of Grief

In this day of grief, dear Lord, when my loss stirs up so many half-forgotten experiences and I remember so many things I might have done but did not, help me to find in treasured memories deep gratitude. I do not understand the cause for this suffering or the reason a life should end before its possibilities were fully realized, but I know that our companionship was a privilege and a blessing. I thank thee for this intimate association, for the thoughts and experiences and friends we enjoyed together. In my sadness may I still offer thee my gratitude for a love which will always be a shining part of my life. Amen

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across an old, obscure Billy Joel song that I had never heard before. As soon as he began to sing, I could feel Amanda’s presence. It was almost as if she was sending me this specific song. I hope you enjoy it.

Amanda, this one is for you.

Go Be Awesome!