On Monday, my friend Gordon wrote:

While Laura struggles to breathe I lay next to her helpless, washed up on the beach, each wave a memory of the bride of my youth.

Inside her withered shell lies the beautiful doe I first saw at the waters edge 18 years ago. I can still remember the moment our eyes met. Hers were bright, eager, welcoming and happy.

Through cancer they have been replaced by dark, dim mirrors of sadness, fear and pain.

My heart breaks for my bride. I miss her so. I did not know how much I loved her until now.

God surely knitted us together in that garden 13 years ago. Removing a strand from three is not easily done. Like vines we have surely grown into one.

The waves are pounding, deafening, relentless. I must get up before they break my back.

I’m going for a run. While running I will breathe less hard than she does sleeping. She is running in her sleep. Running to the gates. I’m cheering her on. I will miss her dearly but want her to cross the line this day, this hour, this minute. I want her to be freed from this withered shell. Free to float easily in Gods glory. Free of the burden of pain. Free of all shame. I want her to be free. She deserves to be free. Dear merciful God bring her home…soon.

Very early Wednesday morning, Laura was set free.

“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

“A dying man is a balloon throwing down its ballast.” (Petit Senn)

Hallelujah, what a Savior!