I’m sad this week. One of my dear friends had to say goodbye to her much loved spouse just two days ago. I hurt for her because I have an idea of what she’s going through. This is the second time she’s had to say goodbye to a husband.

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.

Yet the above promise is so true. Jane knows it, too, but it will take some time for the healing to take place. Let me tell you about Jane and Chuck.

Six or so years ago, they both were recovering from the loss of each of their spouses. Both of their mates had died from cancer. A mutual friend introduced them to each other and it didn’t take long for them to know they loved each other. Three months later, they were married.

It was obvious they loved each other. Jane was a giddy bride obviously filled with joy she’d found love again. Chuck was in love with Jane, too. They delighted in each other.

Together they learned to do new things. Jane never camped or went fishing before, but Chuck  showed her how much fun it would be and sure enough, Jane liked it!

They did some traveling and fit into each other’s lives and their families easily–almost as if they’d known each other a lifetime.

Four years passed. They were still full of joy, but Chuck developed some worrisome health symptoms and after many tests that Chuck insisted on–he suspected cancer–sure enough, it was cancer. The next few months were hazardous with emergency visits to the hospital, waiting to be admitted. Discomfort. Relief from the discomfort. And tests revealing that surgery didn’t take away the cancer completely.

Chuck and Jane knew they may not have much more time together, so while they still could travel, they did. They camped places they’d been before at the beach and enjoyed it.

And then, they stayed closer to home and doctors. Chuck didn’t stop living. He kept mowing the lawn, worked in his shop. After some time, he didn’t have the strength to do those things and he did more resting.

We visited them several times and though Jane was not happy with what was going on in his body, she kept close to him. Family drew around them and stayed with them to say goodbye.

Chuck had a firm faith in his Savior, Jesus and seemed unafraid of dying. He said he was ready. But his family and wife weren’t quite ready to let him go.

He was a strong man. He went weeks without nourishment and eventually without water–his stomach wouldn’t tolerate food. He didn’t complain–to us anyway.

During his illness he was always upbeat. His eyes had a sparkle. He continued to assure us he was ready to meet Jesus. Last Saturday, we saw him for the last time. He was now in bed and on pain medications, but he was very lucid and we even joked about what it would be like to meet Jesus. Chuck’s son, Carl wrote the following on the day he died:

Dad could report a detailed account of his condition and symptoms, but he never complained.  He was strong, courageous and honorable to the end.  He was relatively comfortable and surrounded by family and wonderful friends.  We had many good talks, looked over family photos, shared memories, laughed and cried together.  We shared Scripture and prayed with him.  He was ready to go.  It was hard to watch him suffer for what seemed like an extended period of time, but it couldn’t have gone much better.  Not everyone gets the time we had to say all those things you want to say.  Some people suffer terribly and endure so much pain for years.  We have a lot to be thankful for.

Dad fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith and laid hold on eternal life.  

John 11:25-26 ‘Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die…’

I asked Jane, “Are you sorry you got married again, only to have to say goodbye?”

She said, “Loving someone hurts. It’s a risk we all take. I don’t like it, but I’m not sorry. It was worth the joy.”

I recall her saying that five years ago when she told me she was engaged to be married, she said others asked if she was afraid. She countered with, “Why would you say ‘no thank-you’ when a gift is offered to you?” She took the gift and had nearly five years with Chuck. Four of them happy and healthy ones.

We prayed together that last time we saw him. We told Chuck we’d “see him later–on the other side.”

It won’t be easy for Jane. She knows it. I know it–I’ve been the same place she’s been too. But she won’t be alone. She’ll have the Blessed Comforter right beside her. She’ll need her family and friends, but she has Jesus. Don’t forget about Jane and Chuck’s family. They need your prayers right now.