What an honor to speak at my brothers funeral. I couldnt figure out how to post a new note on my iPad, but I wanted to share it with those of you who couldnt attend his celebration of life service! The following is what I wrote and shared yesterday. For those of you who may not know me, I proudly own the title of Bill’s sister Sue. I was thankful to be able to stay overnight at the hospital with Bill to help Lisa get some much needed rest. (two nights that I will forever cherish) On one of those nights, while in Neurology Intensive Care, his nurse and I were talking. During our conversation she said “I am so sorry your family is dealing with this devastating catastrophe.” I have been pondering what she said to me ever since. A catastrophe means: A sudden event that causes great suffering. And yes I agree, that on September 24, our family began to experience, the first inclinations of a devastating one. By God’s grace, and with our family’s faith, we were able to find the blessing in every moment. Bill made this so easy to do. He touched many lives in his 46 years that’s for sure. He continued to do so, in the midst of his raging Storm, because he chose to. He succeeded in being just what he prayed for “a blessing to others until the end.” These are only a few of the blessings. The hospital chaplain came to visit Bill, and before the chaplain left, Bill prayed for him and his ministry. Two days later the chaplain visited him again, but this time it was to let Bill know what a blessing he had been to him. He told Bill that no one had ever prayed for him during a visit before, and what an impact his words made on his life. Another doctor on the intensive care unit shared with us, that when he entered Bills room, he strongly felt the presence of the Lord. That Doctor left the room, and the Holy Spirit told him to go back and pray with Bill. So he did. He stood over the bed, holding our family members hands, and he prayed for Bill and those in the room. This Doctor later told us, that because of this experience, his practice would never be the same again. Everyone was touched by Bills humor, but his surgeon was also touched by his amazing faith to be healed. So, when Bill admired his tie one day, the surgeon took it off from around his neck and gave it to him. It was kept hanging in his room as a reminder. He told the surgeon he would visit him in his office, in two months, wearing that tie. He wasn’t able to fulfill this, but that surgeon will never forget Bill and his amazing testimony of faith. He made a conscious effort to be a blessing to everyone in his room at all times. He was a true and faithful servant. My brother loved to pray for people, and he had a way of blessing all of us in our distress. He calmed our spirits and brought peace into our troubled hearts so beautifully. Always wanting a hug, holding a hand, or a snuggle next to him in his hospital bed. He spoke wisdom to each of us, and his words penetrated our hearts. It really wasn’t a surprise to us how he chose to live his last 18 days, as they quickly unfolded. He believed in making wise choices, doing things that were worthy, and making a difference in other people’s lives. He took this seriously every day. He did it with purpose and precision. He knew his mission, trusted God and served Him greatly. He loved Lisa, Isaac and Haley and all of his family and friends. He just plain knew….how to Love. My brother was truly a Man after God’s own heart. Because of him, I, and many of you, will never be the same. In the midst of our sadness I can say, Yes. My family has experienced a devastating catastrophe. It is something that no family should ever have to face. But by God’s Amazing grace, (which is something that God gives to all of us) and by our faith, (which is something we give back to God) this catastrophe, that we have all faced together, has ended victoriously! We know that our redeemer lives, and now, Bill lives with His redeemer! By His strips we are all healed!
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 04:01:38 +0000
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