Tuesday, November 30, 2010

the gift of time...

i received another reminder of what is really important in life.
our time.
our dear friend passed away recently after a long battle with alzheimer's. 
her darling husband by her side daily for years.. to calm her as she needed it... 

it was precious and sad to see their love fading away... 

a few weeks after her burial, he went to a dermatologist to check on a couple spots
he found on his body...
stage 4 cancer had spread thru his body.. he never felt sick had no idea...

we went to visit him while i was home and although he had been thru 6 weeks of
grueling treatments and grieving his lovely wife... he was amazing. this man truly is
a gift to all who know him. we brought home baked goods which we knew he would love
but the true gift was our time spent visiting with him. 

we will know tomorrow if the treatment is working ... 
God is good and He has Ray in HIs arms
regarding the outcome....

visit someone you love this season... it will truly warm your heart.
xx
  

18 comments:

Sally said...

very sad - i will be thinking of him - i hope the treatment has done its work x

Beach House Living said...

I'm sorry to hear of your friends illness and loss. I hope the treatments are working...

I Dream Of said...

So touching, Pam. I breaks my heart to hear about your friends. Thanks so much for the reminder of what's important and what a gift every day is. I've missed you. XO

C.J. said...

I will pray for this lovely man.

Unknown said...

holding you all in my heart...

Cathi said...

Sending love to your friend and to you. I have been thru this with a few friends the last few years and I have learned to live each day as it's your last as you just never know and don't take your loved ones for granted. Let them know everyday how much they mean to you! He sounds like a wonderful man! xxoo :)

Francine Gardner said...

Very sad and touching story. Lately, i have made a point to not let anything unsaid or undone, always tell my grown sons that I love them, call my parents in France every morning, keep in touch with my friends...as you said time is very short .

Jenny said...

Thoughts of love and sympathy to you and your friend. I know your hearts are shattered. God will mend. xxoo

24 Corners said...

I'm so sorry...it's difficult to see those we love and hold dear go through such pain. But what a blessing you were to him...the gift of time is a precious one and I'm sure it meant the world to him and helped him to stay strong.
God's arms aren't the only ones holding Ray...He used yours to 'hold' him as well.

Your loving and giving heart is always so inspiring Pam...I'll keep Ray lifted up in prayer.
Welcome home, missed you...xo J~

Julie@beingRUBY said...

How very sad Pam...
It must be such a difficult time for your friend.. grieving and fighting his own battle too ... I wish him all the best and hope things get easier for him.. xxx Julie

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

Aww..how heartbreaking.He is in my prayers~*~Hugs,Rachel

The Little Red Shop said...

God Bless you! I'm praying for your friend.

Julie M.

Joyce said...

I am so sorry. My heart goes out to your friend. I will include him in my prayers.

This reminds me over the summer while I had homecare as the nurse was changing my dressing tears rolled down my cheecks not because of my pain, but the story she was sharing of another patient with no children and how he took care of his wife till she passed away and was still grieving to find out he too had stage 4 cancer.

Sending many hugs your way. xo

Renée Finberg said...

pam,
i am so sorry for both of you.

to see someone you love ,
who is very ill
is painful.
and you feel powerless.

it is a hard thing-
feeling powerless.

you are both in my thoughts

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

I am sorry for your loss, Pam. Sending some sweet snowflakes your way ***x***x***

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh Pam,
What a bittersweet story.
Such a loss for your dear friend Ray and then for him to find that he is sick too but, he has your friendship to give him strength and I will be sending positive thoughts that his treatment will be successful.
Lots of love to Ray and to you and your family and I will be thinking of you. XXXX

Karina Gentinetta said...

This is so touching and so true. Thanks for sharing this story. I will keep him in my prayers.

Karina Gentinetta

Kimberly said...

Yes, our faithful Father holds your dear friend in His hands; hands that are able, willing and loving.