Posted in Family Life

... or good news, depending on how you look at it.

Two weeks after that last post, I was called to the family ranch to pick up Wayne, Dan's uncle, and take him to the emergency room. He never went back home. After three days, he was released into our care as a hospice patient, and died three days later in our home.

Pretty traumatic on the emotions, watching him fade away that quickly, but I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything. We had the opportunity to minister to him in ways we couldn't at a nursing home or from a distance. We sang to him, and read to him, and talked to him about eternity. I hope he heard more than I think he did. Doesn't really matter now anyway; he's already at the feet of his Savior, learning far more than I ever could have taught him.

The funeral was wonderful. My family music group sang, and all my sisters joined us so the original 10-voice choir was there. We were in a beautiful, old-style church with incredible acoustics, and we sang the a capella piece "God So Loved the World." Then I had the incredible privilege of telling all those people about Wayne accepting Christ, and how his whole life changed at that point. It was a wonderful day of ministry, and the only time most of us really broke down was when the Vietnam Vet blew taps.

We've been incredibly busy. The will grants the ranch and everything else to my hubby, so we had to jump in before probate is complete to deal with the situation at the ranch. Wayne's sister still lives there, but doesn't have any money, so it's up to us to winterize, repair and replace, not to mention clean. It's actually been a huge stressor in our lives, and everything else has taken a back seat. I know I'm only beginning to understand the responsibility that comes with owning this place.

There's already problems with the will; Dan's mother and sister feel slighted, and are trying to change things. I don't believe they'll succeed, but it's all very hard on Dan and I, him especially. If you think about us, just pray. Only God can make this all turn out well.

In the meantime, though, we feel like newbies to the world of ranching, but are looking forward to it. God told us over a decade ago that we would eventually be out there, and we feel that we've finally been given His green light to do what He's called us to do. Maybe after probate, God will make it all clear.

So, rejoice with us that Wayne is with Jesus, and keep us in your prayers. The battle is only beginning  -- I believe the next few years are going to demonstrate to us all how our siblings in Christ feel every day, and we will all need a deep, devoted relationship with Jesus to endure it. But we'll have saints in eternity -- like Wayne -- cheering us on and the most powerful Being in all eternity fighting by our side. Bring it on, world -- my God has already won