friends and birthdays and loss

My heavens, has it ever been a few nonstop special days. 

Between getting a cold on Thursday, having our six Kansas friends here Friday afternoon until this afternoon, Nora's 6th birthday Sunday, and the unexpected loss of our friend, it has been a lot of bittersweet emotions, changes and of special memories. 

So thankful for good time with the Schmids whom we've been friends with since our bigs were babies...and to have all our sweet children together! 

Meanwhile, Dear Dr. Ray. Matt leaves again tomorrow for the funeral in Indiana.

From my FB a few days ago...

I know he’s with Jesus

and I love that with my whole heart.

But man, losing Dr. Sting-Ray today’s got me all torn up. He came alongside like nobody else...observing, asking, getting in the trench, sharing and truly caring. Ready to do whatever it took. Always and ever called me “Stace.”

I’m so thankful for all the many, many meals and experiences the Lord gave us with this faithful man. I’m so thankful for the way he refused to walk away from Emmaus, no matter how challenging the climates of Haiti, no matter if anyone would go with him. I’m so grateful for all he taught ME about loving people humbly and wholly and for the sharpening of all involved. I’m so thankful for all the many times I got to sit in the back pew and hear him preach, for all the times he wisely stretched us all. I’m so thankful for precious nights of Ben and Nora snuggling Dr. Sting-Ray and his whirly-popcorn, because when everyone had something to do, he was ready to sit and be present. I’m so thankful for his constant readiness to be used by the Father On HIS terms, not his own...how that has inspired and shaped me.

I’m SO thankful that Matt Ayars called him YESTERDAY, Friday morning, on the way to work and they got all good and caught up and all was thought to be WELL....just hours before an unknown brain bleed....coma....and eternity.

I know he’s with the Jesus he loved and lived for so well.

But man. Many are the gracious gaps to fill, to fill for Dr. Ray.