A Life Well Lived

An encourager of ours died this week ... he was relatively young. Older than us, at a different life stage, but Dan and Betsey always befriended us and encouraged us as we started out our married life and had kids. They were an example in so many ways as they raised their kids, gave generously, and looked out for others.

When we left for Africa Betsey sewed us beautiful slip covers for our couch, and did many other things to provide for our home there and help us get ready to go. She is beautiful, and reminds me of a butterfly...not in a flighty way, but because she was quietly here, there, and everywhere, always knowing where to land--who needed a helping hand, who needed an encouraging note, who needed a hug. Dan was a counselor by profession, and by nature. He knew just the questions to ask, and before you knew it, out poured your heart.

They graciously gave us their home to live in for a week one time--their house by a lake. What fun to "play house" in such a beautiful home with Betsey's tasteful decorating. We never saw them after they moved out to California a few years ago ... to begin a new life with old friends and family already living there. They dove right in from all we heard and connected with a church and ministry. Thus when Dan got cancer, they had many around them. About 18 months ago he wrote a beautiful good-bye letter, thinking he had only weeks to live. He wrote another one a year later. Then Betsey wrote two months ago. My heart went out to her as she shared the same fears I would have, thinking about what the future held for her. Then a Christmas card with a gorgeous photo of them ... looking older, but still looking good. It talked about how they enjoyed quiet days together--good days, and not so good days, but accepting of them all and thankful for every moment together. (They were so in love.) And then, finally, two days ago, an email floated in, forwarded many times, with the simple words, "Dan is home." Family and friends around him, singing songs of the faith, and then he slipped away into his beloved Savior's presence.

What a life well lived. A life of giving to others of time, wisdom, and resources. Dan thoroughly enjoyed life, but how much more he loved his Lord and wanted to be in heaven with him. I know Betsey is thrilled he is free from pain and at peace. I know that same peace fills her. We are so thankful that we had the privilege of a friendship with them––a true gift from God.

photo by lulu