GRIEF IS NO JOKE – IT’S ALSO A PART OF LIVING

Upon returning home Sunday night from school reunion, made it a point to go immediate to the hospital to see DuBois.  Upon arrival his sons were in the room all solemn and sad and at that point I knew if I had anything to say, I had to say it now.  After greeting them, looking at DuBois lying there what appeared to be a vegetative state, I asked them was their next step. The oldest one there said he had one in mind but didn’t want to say and the other one said if I had a ranch house he could come live with me. I asked for permission to express my thoughts and they welcomed them.
I said, for sure no matter what, he can’t return to his apartment and it’s not a good idea for him to live with you all, as he does not want to live with his children.  He has money, get him the best of care his money can afford so you all can go on with your lives.  The most loving thing you can do for your dad is to get someone that is skilled to care for him.  They agreed. The oldest one asked to see me outside the room, and expressed his gut level feelings and I was totally in agreement.
I asked them if I could speak to their Dad privately, and they said yes, and I spoke into DuBois ear, and said what I wanted him to know, and he started to move around, nurse came in to do some adjustments, I asked her if I was in the way and she said no way, I am glad that he is responding with any movement. I prayed for him and left.
I drove home, felt great about my visit, pulled up to the garage, and Holy Spirit said, “He’s dying.” “Dying?!”  “God can you raise him back up just one more time?” I came into house, went to my prayer closet as my heart was hurting, and made my request known to the only true and living God. God lifted that heavy burden. Next time I visited DuBois, he was talking and moving around, and I was shocked and stood in the door looking – SHOCKED! Carol, his daughter in law was there, and I got in his face and asked him if he knew me, he said no, I don’t know you, I said, do you know Ernestine, he said, yes I know Ernestine, would you pray for me in his weak frail voice. “Of course, DuBois I will pray for you, that’s what I do.” Afterward, I read his get well cards, and it was awkward, because I knew he was dying. Yet, I read.
Following Monday while getting up very early got news he had passed away. I was called before key members of family were notified and they asked me to stand by to help them walk with them thru this shadow of death, I promised I would. A week later we funeralized him and he was buried in National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.  Family insisted that I have a part in the program of the funeral and the burial. I am still amazed at the faithfulness of God as I read the cards and said a poem that God dropped in my heart, This too shall pass…tears in eyes of the guests, and folks meeting me in the hallway asking for my cards and would I come to speak at Dr. Martin Luther King day.  WOW!
I am grateful for my church family that came alone with me to drive me, and keep me focused for the task at hand. I am grateful for the Ross family for their love and kindness to me during this time and afterward.  Many have been in touch with me and some of the younger airmen have called, wanting to make sure I am alright and asking me out to lunch.  All I can say is I am grateful.
I am so happy those time I felt overwhelmed with DuBois, how God always reminded me, don’t be weary in well doing, for you will reap if you faint not.  I am reaping the benefits of my labor.     

2017 FRAZIER HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

I was honored to have my son attend my 55th school reunion with me.  He was the best dressed man in the entire building. I felt like a million dollars to have my son there, taking a photo with him.  Also, other classmates wanted to take a photo with him as well. They all say he is a mighty fine young man.
I loved the hotel I stayed in as well, it was being remodeled but I can only imagine what a great place it will become.  I plan on checking back with them sometime in January and maybe return to visit.
The reunion was held in Baltimore and I met some new people while there. I am also happy that I took the advice of my son and just go and interact with other folks, as they didn’t seem to be very friendly, but Timothy said, but you just be yourself and they be themselves.  I did exactly that, went up and asked folks for their names, as I recognized only a hand full, and as we interacted we knew each other or at least someone in our families.  It was the best reunion I have ever attended.  It will be here next year.  I only hope I can attend.
I met a lady in the breakfast area of the hotel, we talked, laughed and agreed to meet the next day. I always bring up Jesus Christ and I noticed her piggy back on what I was saying but she never said anything about the Lord Jesus.  Yet, I enjoyed the exchange. We connected to each other as we shared about our children.  Next day she did return as planned, sent her husband down first, and then came with a friend.  I noticed how they were checking me out, which was okay with me because if I have nothing to hide, I hide nothing.
I talked to the folks she brought down, we enjoyed each other and as we were leaving, her guests left first as she continued to talk to me, and it was something how she covered her head that I asked if she was cold, or why was her head covered?  She said, I am covered because I am Muslim but I didn’t want you to know until I had connected with you. At that point I said, thank you for sharing and I enjoyed our conversation and I am so happy to meet you.  I learned so much from that encounter that I will put in practice for the future.
My reunion was held the end of September and riding on the bus back home, we had so much fun.  I received a phone call that my friend, DuBois, was in the hospital and I responded I was on my way back home and would be in touch. 
We arrived back home and I was able to drive home in the dark.  I was so grateful for that!!!