Three years ago my husband, my sweet heart, my best friend died. He died from a disease he didn’t deserve since he never smoked or worked around harmful substances. He met his death with courage unlike anyone I have witnessed and I have had the honor of being with quite a few people in the final months. Bill was a gentle person and gentleman always. Our life together completed me and did the same for him. Although I rejoice that he lives in heaven now I will miss him everyday until we are reunited. His faith was the substance of his life and thus ours that we shared. We were still “in love” until the very end – and I believe we still are. Whether in airports or grocery stores people often commented that we were still holding hands or that my husband had his arm around me. He was my everything. Everyone that knew him could find nothing ugly to say about him. He worked at the same company 51 years – a record that is almost unheard of these days. He was very handsome, generous, and did not take himself too serious. Bill made me who I am because the Lord brought us together and knew I needed him and he needed me. Such a person not being physically present in my life has presented the most difficult pressures I have ever faced yet God has given me the ability to find purpose. I have rediscovered laughter which I always enjoyed. I know Bill is with me at all times in the Spirit but it is not the same as the life we once knew. And Bill’s death came to us in our senior years.

And, of course, there are many other obstacles I could share but I’m sure so could everyone else at all ages. The Lord is sweeter than ever in my life and my faith as many more opportunities to grow.

The old hymn seems applicable for seniors to remember – you know the one about Counting Our Blessings and naming them one by one. Well, the truth is we can’t ever conquer that demand because Jesus far surpases all we know or will ever know!

Carol Lawson