She fought a good fight...

After 8 months of suffering, my sweetheart passed away this afternoon from complications developed from pneumonia. Words cannot express the feelings I have. Those that know her know she was a great woman that never uttered an unkind word. She loved everyone unconditionally and was always looking to make people feel loved and welcome. On March 10th we will have been married for 35 years. We have a great family that adore their mother and grandmother. She has set an example and a pattern for goodness that will last for our future generations.

I have thought about why my dear wife needed to go through so much. I don't have all the answers, but I am convinced that although she was experiencing pain, she was not going to leave this life without knowing her family would be all right without her. As her husband and as family members, we have learned more about unity, prayer, patience, love and service than ever before. While immensely challenging, the last eight months have brought us closer together and refined us as individuals.  While she was not totally conversant, her Heavenly Father allowed her to communicate enough to let us know that she knew us and loved us. I know she understood much more than she could tell us.

I was fortunate to have many special moments with Sherrie. Most days we would sit on the exercise mat and she would put her head on my shoulder and we would just rock back and forth. There were no words, but we knew our love for one another was growing and growing. One of the greatest moments occurred one day while sitting on the table where she turned and told me she loved me. I have heard those words at least twice a day for 34 years, but this time the words sunk deep in my soul. A moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I have not enjoyed this journey at all. Regardless, I am a better husband, father, grandfather and man for having gone through it.  I am closer to my sweetheart and more in love than ever before. I will miss her more than I can imagine. Tonight it is bittersweet. I am grateful that a loving Heavenly Father called her home after a valiant fight where she will no longer have pain, but great joy. I am sure she was met wiht open arms by her dad who passed away this time last year.

Over the past week I have repeatedly walked past a sign in the hospital that states: "Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how brightly it burned." I realize I am biased, but Sherrie's light was a beacon! She made everyplace she stood better. She stood in holy places and her legacy will be a template we will use to learn, grow and teach.

I am thankful to have the knowledge that I will see her again and that our family can be together forever. She is my eternal companion and although she is not here, it will be but a short time before we are reunited. I know God lives. I know His son suffered for our sins. I know there is a grand plan of happiness that is overseen by a loving Heavenly Father.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. It has meant so much to our family. The calls, emails, well wishes, and prayers offered on our behalf have buoyed us up during our darkest days.  We can't say enough about the support we have received from so many family and friends.

We are sad, but we will do all we can to enjoy life as she would want us to. I am convinced that if I do not, my dear wife will reach down from Heaven and give me a swift kick in the seat of the pants. Her family is everything to her and will continue to be so until she can wrap her arms around each of us again.

May God's richest blessings be upon you. My prayer is that we will all strive to be a little more patient, a little more loving and little more caring. Life can change in an instant!

Love,
Ron