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.