The Last Tear

I've been told by several people that when a person dies 80-90% of the time they will shed one single tear as they slip away. It is really an unexplainable phenomenon. Subsequently, it is said that that one tear is shed for those they leave behind. I'm clinging to that. What a beautiful image! Today (Monday, October 1, 2007) just after 3pm Grandpa Jim (James) Sall breathed his last and shed his tear for his family and friends who loved him dearly! After a valiant fight with cancer, his body could no longer keep up with his ever clear mind.

On Saturday, he asked us, via his son & daughter to all come to his room for a brief service of scripture, prayer and song. While I was unsure of how it was all going to play out, it was a time I don't think I'll EVER forget. Standing there in that small room, I was overwhelmed by the faith, love and peace that permeated the air, even amidst all of the physical suffering we were witnessing. It's not that Grandpa was in enormous pain but rather I sang with my eyes fixed on a man who would soon come face to face with the Savior we were singing about.

I don't think I have ever felt closer to catching a glimpse of heaven than I have these last couple days. God has definitely been giving me just a taste of the glory and sights Grandpa must be experiencing. On this, the day of Grandpa's death, God sent us a glorious view of the heavens and the splendor of a vivid rainbow, which can only ever be seen: AFTER the rains. I am so glad Grandpa is through the rains and now walking right along side his Lord, reveling in the majesty of heaven from an even better perspective than these pictures; taken just after his death.

I covet your prayers for the wife he has left behind and the children & spouses, siblings & spouses, grandchildren & spouses, great grandchildren and friends who will forever miss the little smirks, wonderful insights, fantastic memory and sweet tooth of a man called: husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and Jim.

God Bless you all!
Christine