The Lord Giveth and the Lord Taketh Away

On Thursday I received a phone call after taking the kids to school that my grandfather wasn't doing very well. He was put in the hospital the week before with some infections, but appeared to be doing much better. For some reason, in the early morning hours on Thursday he started having some difficulty breathing. The hospital called the family. It was suggested that we come to Shreveport if we wanted to ensure seeing him one last time. Michael was out of state when I got the call. But, after talking with Mason (and Grabbie) the decision was made to pack up and head out. However, the Lord saw fit to call him home before we were even able to leave town. And unfortunately, my mother was in California for annual meetings. She wasn't able to make it either.

I truly believe my God knew that none of us, especially my mom, could handle seeing him so fraile and sick. We know that he is now resting in the arms of Jesus.

Michael returned home Thursday evening and we left the following morning to join our family in Shreveport. The funeral was held Saturday. And oh my goodness!!! I was overwhelmed at the sheer number of people who came to pay their respects and to love on my grandmother. Infact, after leaving the funeral home Friday night following the viewing, she said, "Wow, I think we were loved by a lot of people." Never underestimate what your presence can do for those hurting. It was a huge ministry to my family to see the number of people who loved David Green, especially those who shared stories of how he touched their lives.

He was a man of God who loved and cared for his family. He and my grandmother were married for 62 years. Poppy, as we called him, lived 14 years with Alzeheimers. Only the last four were spent in a nursing home. And even during his last days, he still remembered her as "the one I love."

I remember on my wedding day, he told Michael that he prayed we would have the same fulfilled marriage that he and my grandmother did. That we would be as happy together as they were. And God answers the prayers of a righteous man.

His service on Saturday was beautiful. It honored Jesus and it celebrated the life of David Green. It also celebrated the life he spent with his love and the lives of his four daughters and their families. My grandmother, aka MeMe, was a ROCK. She stood by him at the end of the service and hugged the neck of every single person that came. She smiled because she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that as of Thursday morning he was completely healed.

If you think of her this week, please continue to pray for her peace and comfort, as well as their daughters.

The Lord giveth, and Lord taketh away, but the Name of the Lord Shall be Praised!!!