A SAD, SAD, SAD DAY (conclusion)

The days after Lumberton became a blur. I was so thankful for the support of dear son and family. Dear daughter, teaching in France, flew home immediately. Arrangements were made for viewing, followed by a service in the McLean Bible Church. Following the service, dear wife was buried in a cemetery, about one hour's drive from our home. I will never forget the people singing Ruth's favorite hymn, IVORY PALACES, at the graveside.

In retrospect, I would say that it took about one year to adjust to my new life. I was thankful to have a work schedule to occupy my time, as well as visits to dear son and his family, in Richmond, VA, and visits to the grave site. Often I would come home expecting to see my dear wife, smiling, only to realize, as I entered the driveway, that she was not there. Over time the situation eased.

Later in the month, I flew to Europe to spend dear daughter's vacation time with her. It was a wonderful two weeks of being in "another world," you might say.

In the Scriptures, the Apostle Paul told the believers in Corinth that "the God of all comfort comforts us in all of our troubles so that we, in turn, can comfort those in trouble, with the comfort we receive from God (II Corinthians 1:3, 4, 7). Many times I have been guided by those words to help others because of what I have experienced in my lifetime.

More, later.