Once we believe and trust in God, we become adopted as sons and daughters. We are co-heirs with Christ! We are children of God! Do we really understand what that means? We believe that God loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son to die in our place, but do we really BELIEVE God, His promises and forever love?
God made a way for each and every one of us to be adopted, and then He gave us this amazing picture and reminder through the example of earthly adoption. As I look at my son on those days when I am frustrated and tired of answering the same questions again and again, I pray that the Holy Spirit will remind me again of the beauty of my adoption and the gentle, patient, never-giving up love of our awesome God.
After all, don't the textbooks say that we shouldn't rationalize with those who have just lost a loved one? Although I sometimes enjoyed philosophical discussions with my friends during Deb's sickness, usually I wanted no part of this sort of banter. I had no time or patience for it. After all, this was not just a theoretical situation! I wasn't interested in the three leading theories on the subject. I was hurting! If I knew this, wouldn't God? Maybe God knew that such an answer, on whatever level, was exactly what Job didn't need!
The third major lesson I learned was an even deeper impression of the value and sanctity of life. In a primary sense, Debbie was my closest earthly friend and the value of her life was ever before me. Secondarily, the response to our plight by family, loved ones, and friends alike was nothing short of incredible. I guess some are disturbed by the lack of support they get in such times. But all I could do was praise God for the overwhelming show of support on our behalf.
Relatives who sacrificed so much of their vacation and personal time to be with us, church members who brought special meals, the ministry of our church worship team, colleagues who taught classes for me so I could be home with Debbie, those who sent various gifts of other sorts, as well as loving cards and phone calls were all witnesses of love. I couldn't see them any other way. It was as if each one had the word LOVE stamped on it in bold letters.
At the same time, these friends and loved ones were also suffering. Although it hurt to relive certain episodes or details by discussing them, it was often what they wanted or needed. Strangely enough, I also noticed that repeating an incident several times made it easier for me to think about and retell it the next time. At any rate, I enjoyed being able to minister to them and return the favor they had given us. It was uplifting to me when I could encourage others who were also grieving Debbie's sickness and death. Many times, it was either Job's lesson or the message of heaven that brought the blessing, too.
I learned more than one lesson about my emotions. On the one hand, I remembered that feelings are a gift from God and are a blessing in themselves. Even during the most painful times, I could still appreciate the fact that I had feelings at all, the good along with the bad. I even became a "hugger"--something I never was before and, to tell the truth, have not kept up too much since those days. But at the time, these expressions of love and friendship were very meaningful to me, and I needed them. Men can show emotions, too!
The last of my lessons concerned my immediate family. There were a great many things to be thankful for, in spite of the sobering experience of the summer. Here I had to begin with Debbie. She had always been the consummate mother and wife. Now, in front of her family, she modeled patience, love, and many other virtues. In retrospect, I do not remember any complaints from her, in spite of her situation. There were no heart rending pleas, and virtually no requests. Her teasing and laughter were rewarding. I was so unspeakably thankful for the almost total absence of any physical or emotional pain.
Without hesitation, I attribute the lack of pain to her experience with the Lord in the CAT scan. Especially given her past fears, her present victories were inexplicable apart from His guiding hand. Beyond just having a "head knowledge" of biblical truth, her total assurance of His love, acceptance through Jesus Christ, and absence of any fear of death were nothing short of astounding. They came as a result of the wondrous grace of her loving Lord. She responded to this realization with daily praise and a cultivation of what she termed the awesomeness of God. She had modeled not only motherhood at its finest, but also devotion to God. He was the apex of her life and it was obvious. We learned from her testimony.
Although he definitely had more questions than the others, the chief example of spiritual growth and maturation also came from my oldest child, Robbie. Though he had trusted Jesus Christ by faith as a small child, he now dates the time of his salvation from his own experience with the Lord just several months after his mother's death. The other children also kept up their interest in spiritual things, such as reading Scripture and their enjoyment of the worship portion of our church service. I regularly noted how their mother's death had little affect on their love for the Lord. Maybe it was precisely Debbie's attitude towards her Lord that caused them to respond this way.
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but You Dr D smiling down on us letting us know you're happy. It was an honor to be in your presence. You live in my heart. All my love, and a great big hug.Hahja
God Bless you Doc. I love you and will forever be grateful for having you in my life. You taught me so much and showed me much love. I will miss my concert buddy and will always remember the shows we shared together. 4 weeks ago Eric Clapton was epic. I miss you dearly Doc. Love, Rod Deraney
Our hearts are broken. In many ways you were like a father to all of us. You touched our lives in many special ways. We will always cherish the times we shared together. We will miss you dearly and will see you again in Heaven. All our love, Dr. Chad, Missy, Chloe, Zoey and Toni Brezinski
Lizzie (Reba McEntire) and Alex Brooks (Tim Matheson) are a fairy tale young couple, wildly in love and the parents of a little girl named Emma. Without warning, Lizzie suffers a stroke at the age of twenty-four. Alex is informed by the hospital doctors that Lizzie has slipped into a deep coma and there is nothing to do but wait to see if she comes out of it. Determined to keep his vow to love Lizzie in sickness and in health, Alex decides to bring her home to care for her. Gail, Lizzie's best friend, helps and consoles Alex. However, Gail's help extends further when she aids in raising Emma as well. When Gail's husband is killed in a car crash, Alex, Gail and Emma form a practical family unit of their own.
A lover of art, music and the outdoors, Quinn spent his free time camping, hiking and biking. He combined his love of music and the outdoors by attending countless music festivals. He was a caring, kind and gentle soul who was beloved by his family and countless friends. His witty remarks, selfless actions and amazing hugs made him a joy to be around. At an early age he discovered his love for lacrosse and became a star on the BHS lacrosse field. He pursued this love by playing for Regis University in Denver, CO. He was a doting uncle to his nieces and nephews and his funny faces provided them with endless laughter.
Wittig has yet to legally adopt Ronnie, now an adult but believes the process will be completed in a year or two. He hinted that their relationship is more than just a piece of paper. Being a parent with a child to "love" and "care about" has been "so fulfilling" for the oncologist. He mentors and leads him through life while also learning from him. Wittig says his son has taught him "kindness, compassion, empathy, love, joy, and happiness" in spades.
The Q&A was based on a public conversation I had with Kalanithi last fall at San Mateo Library. We spoke to a full house about her husband's death, his diagnosis, his final hours of life and what it means to move on after the death of a loved one. When I asked how many audience members had read Paul Kalanithi's book, nearly every hand in the room went up.
I said, "I think it's going to make it really hard. You're really sick. I worry that having to face dying and having a new baby, who you may have to say goodbye to, is going to make it really hard. What do you think about that?" He said, "Wouldn't it be great if it did make it really hard?" It was such a lovely statement of what our lives are about.
With the passage of time, Lucy and Cady Kalanithi have moved into a new house, and she has fallen in love again. She continues to breathe life into her husband's memory when she speaks at public events -- which, until COVID-19, were plentiful. She said she likes reading his words aloud at events -- it makes her continue to feel connected to him.
Sakura Nanase is a 22-year-old rookie nurse. She met Doctor Tendo Kairi several years ago and fell in love with him. To meet him again, she studied hard and became a nurse. After 5 years, she finally meets Tendo again, but he has a totally different personality than what she imagined. Tendo, who is 33-years-old, is commonly referred to as the "Devil" at work. He is a level-headed perfectionist and often makes biting remarks to doctors and nurses. Sakura works hard to receive recognition from Tendo and she also expresses her feelings honestly to him. Due to her persistence, Sakura becomes well known at the hospital and she picks up the nickname of the "Warrior-Chick". Meanwhile, Tendo becomes attracted to Sakura.(Source: AsianWiki) Adapted from the manga series "Koi wa Tsuzuku yo doko made mo " (恋はつづくよどこまでも) by Enjouji Maki (円城寺マキ). Edit Translation
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.2I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.3You said, I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David:4I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations. Selah19Then you spoke in a vision to your faithful one, and said: I have set the crown on one who is mighty, I have exalted one chosen from the people.20I have found my servant David; with my holy oil I have anointed him;21my hand shall always remain with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.22The enemy shall not outwit him, the wicked shall not humble him.23I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.24My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be with him; and in my name his horn shall be exalted.25I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.26He shall cry to me, You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation!
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