Last week was bittersweet. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.
Last week my sister Judy died.
The word came on Saturday afternoon like a kick in the gut: “Judy passed away.” The text message came from my oldest brother, Larry. Judy, age 50, experienced her first stroke several months ago, and they just kept coming. The doctors said her life was now measured in weeks, or days . . . and they were right.
The pain of loss is greater because what we had gained was still so wondrously new. It was just seven years ago that I met my sister for the first time. Separated by the dysfunctional dynamics of divorce and remarriage, the Texas and California offspring of Raymon Lawrence Daffern have cautiously, yet steadily, built familial bridges in recent years. Larry, still in our “ancestral” home in California, and Judy, in Wichita Falls, TX, were the two who have led the re-merging of the family.
Over these last few years, and again in the last two months, I’ve watched Larry quietly and gently give leadership to our generation of the family. In the midst of sorrow, I’ve see yet again that he will be a very good “patriarch” when his turn comes. I take great comfort in knowing that Larry is more than ready for this familial leadership role.
Last week I learned that grandchild #6 is on the way!
The ultrasound this week told us Joshua and Robin are now 5 ½ weeks pregnant. I am still laughing, crying, and praising God.
Conception, the gift of life, is always a miracle. While they are not exactly Abraham and Sarah, and knowing that this was nowhere near an “immaculate conception,” I do know that after nine-plus years of marriage this pregnancy is truly a miracle.
I look forward to the time in about 33 ½ weeks when I can hold this miracle in my arms. This miracle will take his/her place alongside Ezekiel and Shepherd, who arrived in 2007 and 2009 via miraculous adoption experiences.
Truly, the God of miracles has His hand and His favor upon this family.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven; a time to be born and a time to die . . . (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a).
David, this was beautiful. Does Larry get your blog? I think he would love seeing your words and knowing how you feel? I love you, Mom
I have no idea if he does . . .
David, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of lost. May God give you comfort during this time as you continue to complete the work He has set before you. God bless you.
Love, Ted
Thank you, my friend.