Another sentence we were asked to respond to during the grief group was: ” I miss ______ the most when….”  I miss Frank the most on Sunday during church and after.  Of course, being prejudiced, I don’t think anyone can preach as well as he.  His loving spirit for the people was so evident in everything he did.  And after church for about 12 years we would always go with some of our members out to lunch and really became a part of each other’s lives through that.  We did that until he just couldn’t enjoy it anymore due to his difficulty eating/swallowing. Every Sunday when I leave the morning church service, I feel the emptiness of his presence.  No one can ever take his place in those moments.

The other time I really feel the loss of his presence is at home during the evening hours.  That is when we sat together sharing space, thoughts, quietness, each doing our own favorite thing–he on his computer reading and studying; me on mine playing games.  Just being together in sweet companionship.  Now the house is so empty and quiet.

I don’t know what people do without Jesus.  Just the awareness of His presence lifts me up and keeps me going.  I know He is my constant friend.  “Yet I am always with you, you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” Psalm 73:23-24.