Call of Duty

Tonight I sit, tired, but refreshed. Today I have had the opportunity to move at a bit slower pace than what I've been forced to do in the past month. I had a chance to look back over the past month's families I've served and thought about how blessed I am to have the privilege to meet each family and spend time with them during their most difficult times of their lives. I don't enjoy other people's grief, but I do love them during this time and do my best to serve them the only way I know.
I looked back at the variety of people and the differences in their circumstances. I've been heartbroken and lifted up all at the same time; from the passing of a mother in a tragic car accident, to a teacher who was loved by all who went thru her class, to the 101 year old lady who outlived all of her friends and left only distant kin to mourn, to the down and out drug addict who seemed to have no one to care, to the dad who was lost suddenly at a young age which seemed no life was untouched by him. Such a wide variety of people from all walks of life that I have had the honor of serving.
There is one that stuck out to me though. It was a gentleman who passed away, leaving his wife of 60 years to grieve. She, like all the rest, was hurting, but there was such a peace about her that left me speechless. She, during her grief, took the time to offer me "marriage advice" and well.... "Life Advice." I learned of her life with her husband, about love, scoldings, concerns, successes, mistakes, but mostly happiness to be with each other. She told me that her husband would always tell her, "Don't worry about your past, all you need are the good memories. Don't worry about the future, you'll catch up with it soon enough. Just look at today and think of what you can do to help someone. At the end of the day, if you can look yourself in the mirror and say "I did my best," then that's where it all is!"
I think God has a funny way of using people at the right times to catch you off guard and let you know He is still in control. This sweet little lady, though frail, stood tall and strong in my eyes when she said this to me. I've been tired lately and have really been frustrated at work, but her saying that to me, reminded me that it's okay. God's still here, watching over me, taking care of me.
Last night, I did another hard thing. I accepted the "Call of Duty" once again. This time, not for a person, but for a dear friend's pet. Yes, we sometimes do that too! I have all ready buried one of this friend's pets and have worked with him more than I would ever have wanted to, but will as many times as needed. He lost his yellow Labrador Retriever that was just about the most friendly dog I've ever met, next to my Black Lab, Saxie. She lived an entirely too short of life and died extremely young. Isabelle was layed to rest late today on the property of my parents just overlooking a beautiful pond on the west side of Iowa Park where I know she would have loved to run. We will miss you Isabelle, also known as "Isa-smell." You were quite the pet, not just for your master, but for his friends as well.
So, there it is, my week. And yes, sweet little lady, your husband was right. That's where it all is!

-approved by Farley Wells, CMDI.