Homegoing

Our neighbor, Gary died on Saturday. He had been bravely fighting cancer. Gary had served in Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange.

Gary and his wife had been waiting, a long time waiting for confirmation that Gary would be eligible for V.A. benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. Gary had been concerned that he might die before this confirmation, concerned for his beloved wife's future without him.

Deb and I were called very early Saturday morning. Gary had endured a bad night. His lungs were filling with fluid, and he was struggling for each breath. It was my privilege to read Psalms to him, to pray for him, and to express the assurance of hope we have in Jesus to Gary's wife and sisters.

At 1:15 on Saturday afternoon Gary's wife received the phone call she had been waiting and hoping for. A number of people including one of Alaska's U.S. Senators had taken Gary's case on as a priority. As a result the V.A. had granted Gary the news he wanted to hear. And Gary took his last breath at 1:30.

Deb and I were called back and arrived at 1:35. Gary was gone, though his shell of a body remained. He was no longer in pain, no longer suffering, no longer worried for his wife.

It was my privilege to be present when Gary made a profession of faith in Jesus about a month ago. Gary had asked me over that day because he was concerned he had not done enough to get to heaven. I told him he was right. He hadn't done enough; nor had I; nor had anyone else. But it was my joy that day to explain to Gary that it wasn't and isn't ever about what we do, but about what Jesus has already done. Gary believed, and said so. And Gary is now home with the One who loved and loves him enough to have done through Jesus what Gary himself could not do. Enough to be enough.

God expressed His grace to Gary by releasing him from his suffering and calling him home, to really live. God expressed His grace to Gary's family by giving the encouragement of V.A. benefits; more importantly the profession of Gary's faith. And God expressed His grace to me by letting me be present, to celebrate Gary's homegoing.