Our church and many others in our community are reeling today after learning that a dear friend and sweet lady has unexpectedly died. Jean had surgery on Friday, and was getting up to take that first walk after surgery late yesterday afternoon when a blood clot raced to her heart and took her life.
I can’t imagine the pain Jean’s husband, David is feeling, or her daughters. Both of our girls expressed their grief for their girls with empathy by saying. . . “I couldn’t imagine not having you in my life”.
Jean and David’s older girls were students in the youth group when DIY Guy and I volunteered with youth. Later, when I was on staff as the director of student ministries, the two younger girls joined us — growing up with our kids in church. This family has endured more than their share of life’s struggles, yet always have had a “can do” attitude and leaned on God through it all.
At times like this, there is always the prayer part. Where we all say we are praying for the family — and we are. We are praying for David, for the girls, for the grandbabies, for the other family members who are grieving. God is in control and I know he doesn’t need us telling him how to take care of things — but we need to connect with our God, like we connect with each other in these times.
Today I pray for David, Amber, Karrin, Samantha, Danielle and Brianna. I hold them and every child who has lost their mom and every husband or wife who has lost their life partner in my heart.
And I give thanks for every day I have with the people I love, because life is obviously a very fragile thing.
(written on Jean’s Facebook page)