This is not at all how/We thought it was supposed to be/We had so many plans for you/We had so many dreams…..We can cry with hope/We can say goodbye with hope/’Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no/And we can grieve with hope/’Cause we believe with hope/There’s a place where we’ll see your face again/We’ll see your face again…../We have this hope as an anchor/’Cause we believe that everything/God promised us is true, so …/So we can cry with hope/And say goodbye with hope/We wait with hope/And we ache with hope/We hold on with hope/We let go with hope

(Words by Steven Curtis Chapman)

Eleven years ago today, I listened to these words. It was at the memorial service of my first husband, Bill Rudberg. I couldn’t listen to this song after that service for a long time. But now I read the words and remember the melody and recall how God has worked in my life! How faithful He has been to me. Yes, there’ve been lots of tears and sadness. But much joy and love, too.

That is the theme of my life. I can see how faithful God has been to me…..and how much hope is in my life. I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t admit sometimes I wonder what’s around the next bend in the road, because loving brings hurt and sorrow. But for today, I will reflect on the hope God has given me and the many blessings He has surrounded me with. That will be enough. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you…..(Psalm 39:7)

Rest in peace–for I know you are in the presence of our Savior, Jesus–George William Rudberg, Jr., 09-26-1943 – 02-03-2006. You were loved and are missed. But with full assurance, we will see you again. With hope.

Bill Rudberg: Husband, Son, Father, Grandfather.
He was loved….