Written to some good friends a day or so after ...

I’ve received so much love from you guys (and Sonia!) that I’m truly overwhelmed. For two months I was by his side, along side his children, at the hospital as he underwent every procedure imaginable to make him well. Healing was not to be–on this side anyway. Bruce died as he lived–as an agnostic. He never turned anyone away who wanted to pray for him. His last request of me was that I pray at the bedside. He was never, ever phony. He just didn’t know.

We are all a little bit worn out. My older children can’t take any more time off from their jobs. My youngest is trying to stay motivated to finish his first semester of college. He is studying music theory and classical guitar. His award winning men’s quartet will sing at the memorial service. I am so proud of him and his brother and sister.

Bruce had two other families. He married his college sweetheart right out of law school. They had two boys that he lost in the divorce. They were only babies. Within ten years he lost another family. A boy and a girl that he was able to help raise even though his alcoholism escalated so that his participation was less than stellar.

We married thirty years ago. I was three months pregnant with our oldest when he began his recovery from alcoholism. He never had another drink.

During this last illness we were reunited with one of his sons from the first marriage. He and his family are precious Christians. The little boy and girl call me Yaya just like my own grand daughter does. They had a chance to meet their Papa and will be here over Thanksgiving and will attend his memorial service.

How much do we know for sure? How hard must we work to get it right? I only know that my redeemer lives. Bruce knew enough at the end to trust in my faith. Puny? Yes. Enough? That’s not up to me.

I’m going to serve a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday to Papa’s children and grandchildren. The church is bringing a meal the next day after the memorial service. It’s not like we need the food. They’ve been bringing it for two months. Gotta love that. Bruce did.