This is Bob. He says you can spell his name backwards if you want. We met Bob last night when our youth group had the opportunity to go visit at an assisted living center in Charlotte. The students talked to them, sang with them and handed out hand painted ornaments and a little bit of candy.
But I’m betting the one thing they take away from that visit is something Bob shared with us. Bob had one of the workers go to his room and get the picture of him and his wife. He put it at his side, hiding it as much as he could until the worker announced Bob would share his story. I’m very sure Bob would be delighted that I’m retelling this as best I can remember.
They were married 62 and a half years and she passed away last February. She had Alzheimer’s and in her last weeks, they put her in a room across the hall from him so it was easy for him to go visit her. A few weeks before she died she got to the point she couldn’t talk but ten days before she passed she turned to him and spoke clearly. She told him what a wonderful and full life she had had with him and their three boys. For ten minutes she continued to talk to him about all their good memories. After that, she couldn’t speak again although she was able to squeeze his hand and did so when he prayed for her.
The Thursday before she died he was praying with her and said Lord, if it be your will, go ahead and take her if it would be best for her. He said the Lord spoke to him as clearly as he was speaking to us and said “It’s not her time, her day is Sunday”. Bob called the family and told them what the Lord had said and the family was gathered by 3pm on Sunday. He said he wasn’t even thinking about what the Lord had told him when his wife took a big gasp of air. He shushed the family in the room as everyone was lightly talking and they gathered in closely. She took one more gasp of air and that was her last. Bob finished his story by saying one day soon he’ll be with her. He raised his hands in victory and leaned his head back with his eyes closed and a closed smile. You could see the peace on his face.
That, my friends, is one of many reasons I believe in God and fully plan to see Bob and his wife whole, healed and reunited in Heaven one day. I can’t wait.
Carolyn says
So not fair!!! I am sitting at my desk with tears running down my face (happy ones but still…). What a beautiful story.
Katie says
What a beautiful story! In the midst of the craziness and commercialism right now, it’s so nice to have such a sweet reminder of what life really is about. And I’m so glad your youth got to be a part of this experience too!
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Jenny O. says
What a lovely, lovely story. It really hit home for me today, while I’m rushing around being too busy to enjoy and do the truly important things. It reminds me, also, that I haven’t done a good enough job this holiday of reminding my children of the real reason for the season. Thanks for this story. It was more help than you know.
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Lindsey G. says
You should really put a warning label on a post like that. “Do not read at work…May cause extreme signs of emotion”
Beautiful story! It not only inspires my spirituality but also my marriage!
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Melissa Oyler says
That’s beautiful, Amy.
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Julie says
All I can muster is “wow”
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