Tammy is OK, but this isn't about her

For those of you who check on Tammy, she is doing well, and I will tell you more about that later. However, I need to write about another special lady.

Sue Roberts went home to be with Jesus today. I did get an opportunity to meet her, but she was really tired. But what I know of her, I know because of her husband Gerald. I have no doubt that she is an amazingly great woman because she married an amazingly marvelous husband. He is the greatest testimony of her greatness. Sue and Gerald married 46 years ago, and his love for her has not faded. There has not been a day that he has not been here from the morning opening of the CVICU to the close for the evening, then he comes right back when visiting hours are open again at 8. The only time he took away from her was to go get a cup of coffee on the 4th floor, or to eat lunch, or to go home to work on the bathroom he was getting ready for Sue to come home.

But, I have to be honest, there are many dedicated family members up here. What has touched my heart more than anything has been how wonderfully Gerald has taken care of me. He has drug me out of the building at lunch to see a different view. He has listened to me rant when I was frustrated, and he has tucked me under his arm when I cried. He has encouraged me with scripture. He has checked on our girl when I was taking a break, and he has run out to get me when the doctors finally showed up so I could ask my questions. He has checked on me and has learned my moods without asking. It is odd how God provides family in strange places. In my dealings with him, he has been far more patient than I, far more gracious than I, and caring to everyone, every one who has come into this waiting room. All of these things speak loudly to how he has loved and cared for his wife, because the most phenominal people I know are married to people as amazing as they are.

So, this post is mostly about a lady i have not had the honor to know, and I am certain it would be an honor. However, we are family now, inexplicably bound together by events that have been completely out of our control from the beginning, and in God's hands all along. It is comforting to know I will have all of eternity to get to know her. So, it is with tears running down my face that I say that I say good-bye to Sue and thank you to her for marrying Gerald all those years ago, so that in this season, I could be ministered to by him during this season.

Dear Father, surround this precious family with your love. Protect them from attacks of doubt, of regret, of "what ifs" and "if onlys." Surround them with your arms of love and don't let them go. Send people who love them and to take care of them as they hurt. I pray, Lord, that some day soon they will be able to celebrate Sue's life, to enjoy funny stories, and mention her name without tears filling their souls. We know You have our days ordained from the beginning of time, but we always wish for one more. Help them to lean on You as they walk, or crawl, through their grief. Just keep them moving toward You. I know they are in Your hands, help them to know it as well, no matter what. Amen.