Pastor Dave

The depth of sadness I feel in this moment is almost unbearable.  I am going through the motions of life because I have to, but I am overwhelmed with grief at the same time over the loss of a dear friend who was like a father to me in so many ways. 

When the kids and I moved over here about 5 years ago, my husband couldn't come with us because he was still working in Oregon and looking for work over here.  My father in law was wonderful and came to stay with us for the first month, but after that, it was just the kids and I, and it was pretty stressful.  I had moved across county after living 30 years in Oregon, and without having any family or friends nearby. 

My heavenly father was looking out for me, though.  Our neighbors that lived right across the street- the Wedlock's- became like instant family to us.  Mr. Wedlock was here for us like a dad to me and grandpa to my kids and he looked out for us.  He would cut the grass and make sure that we were ok, while my husband was away.  After Mose moved back with us, Mr. Wedlock continued to look out for us- continued to help with the lawn- and he became "pastor Dave" to me and "papa" to my kids. I will never forget the moments when I would be out working in the yard in the heat and he would run over to give me some water.  I came to pastor Dave and Ms. Valerie for advice and let them know about the events going on in our lives, which they often were a part of.  I have baked many times for the Wedlock's because I love to bake and share what I have made.  He loved my cooking and that felt so good.  Pastor Dave also took many incredible pictures of my family for us and shared the prints with us often.  He was a man that touched many lives and he was constantly involved in service to others.  He was a true gift that was just taken away from us. 

I don't understand why we go through so much pain in this life sometimes. I don't understand why the best people have to leave this earth so early. 

I do know  that this life is just a speck of our true lives, since our real "lifetime" begins in the afterlife.  Pastor Dave is now living the life he worked so hard for on earth right now- in the actual presence of the Lord. 

The rest of us are hurting badly.  I can't wait to see my friend again someday and I will miss him terribly.  I'm thankful for getting the opportunity of knowing him and I hope to honor him by my actions through the rest of my life.  He would want that, I think.