Today was my and my family's first day without Joyce. Last nite in bed in the middle of the night I thought I felt Joyce's arm touch my shoulder and face; it sort of jolted me awake as I realized she wasn't there. My theology doesn't leave room for such things - but my heart and soul and spirit crave another touch, a whisper, a wisp of a kiss. And of course I long for the day I will see her again in glory.
I slept Ok but woke this morning feeling so empty and sad and sort of aimless. My kids and I had to take care of some things at the mortuary this morning - and I was able to see Joyce's still smiling body one last time. I wept harder than I ever had - and kissed her one last time on her now cold lips - it was still sweet. Then we quietly headed home; took care of some errands and just prayed for the day to be over. Our granddaughter Kaylee was over for a few hours and she always brings a special joy to all of us.
I think we have settled on initial plans for her memorial service. It is being planned for Sat, July 14 at 11:00am at Emmanuel Faith Community Chruch in Escondido, with a reception immediately following. More on that later - for further info just call Calvary Escondido - 760-489-6255.
In His Arm's,
Pat and family
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Dear Pat and Family,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts and souls ache and cry with you. We have a glimpse of the loss that we will all be faced with and the knowledge of how difficult it is to go through and how without our Lord and Savior it would be totally unbearable. So I praise God for lifting our souls and hearts with hope when we lose part of ourselves, when our loved one goes home, and we are still here on earth. Cleaving with our mate is the most fulfilling and wonderful glimpse of God's love for us; and I lift His name on high for allowing us to experience this connection and love for our husbands and wives as believes and followers of Christ. Thank You Lord for the love you gave Joyce and Pat!
We weep with you.
ReplyDeleteWe love you.
Love you, bro. Praying for you and the family this morning. Church in the Park, Here I come. :)
ReplyDeleteLove you, Pat.
Your Brother-In-Arms,
Josh, Christy & the Olson Ranch
MY YOU BE FILLED WITH GODS GREAT LOVE! I PRAY THAT THE LORD WOULD BE EVER KNOWN AND THAT REALLY FEEL HE WITH YOU!! I PRAISE HIM FOR WHO HE IS AND WHAT HES DONE!!
ReplyDeleteMANY MANY BLESSINGS!
These next days will be hard, nothing can describe what you are feeling, all at the same time. All of these feelings, emotions, thoughts are being held closely to the heart of Jesus and are precious to Him. He is in control, rest in His arms. This is such a precious time for you and your God, your Creator, your Friend. Every moment, day and night God is revealing something to you. Every breath you take, take in the Lord's, He has won the battle, He has conquered and the sting is no more. The tear she shed He wiped away with His hand. We all belong up there with Him. Thats our home, not here. We all have been changed. Thank you for sharing your heart every day. I see Jesus in you, very clearly.
ReplyDeletePat,
ReplyDeleteThe Gideon's of Escondido are and have been praying for you and your family.
You are loved much throughout Escondido.
Blessings,
don steigerwald
I WEEP WITH YOU AND UNDERSTAND.. The pain is more than one can bare at times. It can make one feel so helpless. I believe Joyces spirit touched you. My sister Holly could feel Sandy's presence near by when he left his earthly body. My father felt my mother and so did I. That is something we may never understand. Maybe God allows this for a brief moment. it is a period of growth in your life of understanding now how God works in mysterious ways. The Holly Spirit can allow anything. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD.
ReplyDeletePat,
ReplyDeleteMy tears fall with yours.
May you and your family be wrapped in an indescribable peace and love as the days ahead unfold.
You are close to my heart and in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Pastor Pat and family,
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of me and my family,
Please except our sincerest well wishes for you and the family.
We will continue to pray for all of you. God Bless you all.
Ray Gayton (Shelagh, Aaron and Tennie Cotton)
Dear Pat, friend and pastor, God bless you and your kids . I have not been able to write-just couldnt ever find the right words, and today is no different, but I want you to know we have been with you on this journey, in our hearts, daily ,for 31/2 years, and we are so sorry for all of our loss, our sweet Joyce. All our Love, Beth and Randy Taft
ReplyDeleteYOUR THEOLOGY IS CORRECT. But DO believe, AS YOU HAVE OFTEN PREACHED that 'anything' is possible with God. You will have other moments of feeling Joyce near by and maybe even hearing her voice. I have been there. Years after my mother went on to Glory, she appeared in a 'dream' and God allowed me to hear her voice call out. My siblings and my father exprienced the presence of mother also at different times. THE DAY WILL COME WHEN YOU WILL HEAR JOYCE CALL OUT. Don't think you are going crazy. OUR Minds and Dreams are so complex. There are things God will never have us understand UNTIL WE GET TO HEAVEN,, but he does ALLOW precious moments such as you have experienced to happen. EMBRACE THEM. Our dreams can help comfort us. God blessed us all with a memory, and during times of death, we can relive the precious moments we shared with our loved ones. He WILL ALLOW you to feel her presence and you will feel a measure of comfort.
ReplyDeleteYou number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; [Are they] not in Your book? PS 56:8
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks at your pain, yet I know that GOD is your strength and HE is faithful to carry you.