Farewell

I just got the phone call from my sister, Bettina. Uncle Johnny just passed away about 2 hours ago. It was a sweet passing; he was holding his daughter, Amy's, hand. As he dropped her hand on earth, I know he took the hand of Jesus in heaven.

When I got to go home to see him, I took a notebook with me and jotted down everything little thing he said that I wanted to remember. Those would be of little consequence to you. However, on the day I left Tennesse, I was impressed to write down all my impressions and reflections about the time I had spent with my Uncle.

I just want to simply copy my entry:

Friday, August 6, 2010

Reflections after saying goodbye:

Johnny's attachemnt to the land ...
His desire for his children to follow God ...
His devotion and love for Annie ...
His gratitude that I was able to come; said I was the least person he'd expect to see - and that was God's gift to him ...
The link between Johnny and Abraham (of the Bible) ...
Struck by Johnny's physical weakness ...
Loved seeing how well-loved he is by his church family ...
Holding hands ...
His quickness to say thank you for coming ...
"Glad I got to know ya"

end of entry.

Of all the things that brings tears to my eyes, it's the reading of the "Glad I got to know ya" that sends me to crying. I can hear his voice in my ear. I can hear his pride and authenticity as he stated what his heart felt.

My Uncle Johnny's life will not be recorded in any history books. His obituary will appear like thousands of others before him. However, my Uncle Johhny will be an ever-present reminder to me of the power of family, the richness of knowing from where you come, and the undeniable power of love.

I think we both knew that when he spoke those words to me in the hospital just a few weeks ago "glad I got to know ya" they would be the last he would speak to me this side of heaven. However, it is I who am grateful for the privledge of knowing him. For knowing him ... and being loved by him has made me a better person.

So the tears come and the longing to hug his dear wife Annie, sweet daughter Amy, and sons Randy and Jeff pull on my heart. The grieving begins too, but grieving not whithout hope. For it's in these moments, moments of temporary loss, that we can make a statement to the world that our grief isn't based on goodbye. Our grief, for those who put their trust in Christ Jesus, is because of our humanness. However, our spirits soar with the promise that heaven awaits ... and it won't be long before we too will finally be home.

Welcome Home, Uncle Johnny.

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