Living, Loving and Letting go

Walking along side a friend through an illness teaches you much about that person, yourself and everyone affected.  I recently lost one of my best friends.  When he became aware of his brain tumor almost two years ago he took it in stride and remained hopeful to the very end of his life here on earth.  He would say "I have peace either way Kathy, whichever God prefers".  His sense of humour and testimony of faith were beautiful to witness.

During one of my hospital visits Bob asked me to bring in my laptop and let him update his facebook status.  We took a picture and posted it.  He had over 140 responses within 24 hrs.  This man touched lives!  His gift was to serve and he genuinely put others first.

The friends and family I got to meet through this journey just confirmed how humble and loving this man was.   He served so many people in his lifetime that it was an honour to be able to serve him near the end.  His parents are amazing people, no wonder Bob was so thoughtful. 

Each visit I was reminded that it may be my last...is that not how we are supposed to live each day?  Bob blessed me with unconditional love and acceptance, he was my biggest fan.  I think of you often my friend and am living each day to the fullest.

To know that he is now dancing before his Lord and Saviour makes me smile.  His visitation and memorial service were packed with people from every area of his life.  He made a friend wherever he went and if anyone chose not to accept his offer of a relationship it was their loss.

Here is the tribute video his son-in-law and daughter prepared for him:

Until we meet again Bob, thank you from the bottom of my heart for our years as sojourners. 

I Believe....

I Believe...That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I Believe...That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe...That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...That hereoes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe...That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down,... will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,... but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe..That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...That no mtter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could chane your life forever.

I Believe...Two people can look at the exact same thing...and see somthing different.

I Believe...That life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...That when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you-- you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...That the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.

Thank You Becky Yantzi...for sharing