April is exiting

It will soon be May. From where I live, May is only 8 hours and 45 minutes away. Wow. Who could have thought. May, 2007. I remember a May 40 years ago. I was just days from being out of high school with my entire life ahead of me. With no idea what I was going to do. I certainly did not foresee the things that have happened.

Frank Bourbonnais departed this world early yesterday morning, something before 2:20 am, Tulsa time. Frank, as you know if you have read my earlier entry, was my sister's husband of almost 34 years. Or maybe 34. I don't remember what time of the year they were married. They had 4 children, Frank III, Kristina, Josh and Sally. Frank III passed away two or three years before our Dad did. Dad passed away in 2003. Kristina, Josh and Sally are all married now. I know they will miss their dad terribly. Yvonne is left with a grandson she is raising as her own. Alex is now 6 I think. My heart goes out to both of them. I can not image the pain they are carrying.

I know the Newberry family has rallied around and is providing lots of support. I feel terrible not being able to be more supportive. Time and distance brings many difficulties.

"God in heaven, the giver and taker of all things living, we humbly ask for the comfort only you can bring to this family. In you alone do we have hope of life beyond this horizon of life. Only you can bring the courage to us that we may look into the face of death, and say with Paul the Apostle of Christ, 'Oh death, where is thy sting?' Only through you do we see beyond this vail, to a hope eternal and loss free.

"Lift up my sister and hold her to your breast and help her to realize the peace and everlasting comfort of a faith centered on you. Love her more than we can. And give her the courage to face each new day as a day created by you for her.

"In the precious name of Jesus we place her in your arms for keeping. Amen."