My friend passed away this week. He and his wife and his boys are amazing people. Good, kind, thoughtful, hard working and so full of grace. My heart is broke and yet so full of joy and wonder. Life matters. One life matters greatly.
She would argue with me right now and tell me all of the ways she failed in her role as caregiver and wife for the last few years. She would want everyone to know she got frustrated and tired at times and didn't always feel so loving. At times, she didn't want to "count it all joy" as she faced one health trial after another.
I spoke with him after he had made the decision to stop treatment. He was on his recliner in his living room, with his Bible beside him on the table. He said, "I'm not afraid for me. I'm going to an amazing place. I worry for those I leave behind." He continued to tell me how he had read the Bible in five months and reflected on why in the world he had not done this more before.
He died at home after fighting cancer and before that, fighting Parkinson. His wife and two of his boys were at his side. This close knit and private family wouldn't have it any other way.
Theirs was my favorite greenhouse and I could not wait to walk in their door in the spring. Well cared for plants and a welcoming "hello!" They sold it so they could focus on their health and their family. However, their gift for planting and nurturing took shape in other areas.
One of their sons played football with my son and they ended up playing together and roommates in college. We shared the joys and heartbreaks of those Saturday games.
At the same time, we started a Royal Family Kids Camp in our area and Julie and Randy were foundational in helping us get it launched. Randy was our first Grandpa at camp and the children adored him. He helped at an after school program where several of our campers attended. He was a true blessing to them.
This year, just a few weeks ago, our bus full of campers drove to his house before camp and Randy prayed for them all. After hugs and some laughter, the kids were on their way. They had made him a poster and since it was the olympic theme shared the verse. How timely.
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.…" 2 Timothy 4:6-7
At Royal Family Kids, the staff welcome the children to camp with posters with their name and cheers and a royal welcome!
This week, we said "goodbye," to Grandpa Randy. In heaven, God said "hello!" I can just picture, Jesus and the angels lining the golden streets with signs with Grandpa's name and cheering and high fiving this man as he came to his forever home.
He passed the scepter to his sons and they will run the race God has marked out for them. They will fight the good fight and they will keep the faith. His children's children will remember and follow his footsteps.
And at a little Royal Family Kids Camp, the campers will find shade in the trees planted and the seeds planted in their hearts will produce.
He was truly a master gardener.
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