Homecoming ...Finally at Rest!

Today is a very special day in the memory bank of my family...My wife's father would have had his 90th birthday today and his loving bride. Betty Lee, just celebrated her 92nd birthday this past Saturday; though I am sure it brought her little joy since the lockdown imposed at her Senior Living Center has not allowed family members to visit due to the corona virus epidemic that still has most of our world held hostage. So, though most of the world still chooses to remain behind closed doors, I want to take this time to travel back into my past memories and remember this wonderful man and the great joy he bestowed on all those that ever had a chance to shake his hand or listen to one of his funny stories....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JETER LEROY LEE JR...YOU ARE SORELY MISSED!!! AND WE ALL AWAIT THE TIME WHEN WE WILL BE REUNITIED AND GET TO HEAR ANOTHER OF THOSE WONDERFUL STORIES THAT STILL BRING A SMILE TO OUR FACE...MAY GOD BLESS THOSE THAT YOU LOVED AND KEEP THEM SAFE DURING THESE TROUBLED DAYS.

∞

This a reprint of a former post....

It was just three weeks ago today that my wife, her sister and her mother were at the funeral home making final arrangements for the memorial service for her father, Jeter Leroy Lee, Jr. It was a time that was truly bittersweet for Jeter's loved ones.

You see, he had been battling dementia and the onslaught of Alzheimer's disease for the better part of two years and the battle came to an end on Thursday, January 11, 2018. Jeter, a devoted husband for 67 years and a kind and loving father to his two girls for over 65 years had fought the good fight...but he was tired and his worn out body and mind could take no more. So, His loving, Heavenly Father did what needed to be done...He brought Jeter home to be forever with Him.

It is indeed a sad time when we experience the death of someone we have loved and who has loved us in return for a long time; however, if we know that they have a personal relationship with the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it is a parting of "see you later" and not a "forever good-bye". And it was always evident to see in the life of Jeter Lee that he loved his Lord and lived to let others know that they too could experience such love. You saw that love displayed in the way Jedo (the nickname given to him by his grandkids) always treated and interacted with people; whether a stranger or life-long friend, Jeter Lee treated EVERYONE with the kindness and attention that you deserved if you had entered his sphere of influence...and that sphere was big enough to include anyone who would strike up a conversation with this gentle and loving man.

Over the 30 years of being part of my wife's family, I learned even more about loving your wife from watching this man love and nurture the woman that God had chosen for him...he was a great role model to anyone that took the time to get to know this wonderful, funny and engaging man. I know that there were many people over many years that had their day brightened or their load of cares lifted  just by receiving a kind word; hearing a funny story or joke or just hanging out with Jeter. I know because I was one of those people...and only the good Lord knows how many more he was able to touch in his life, a life well lived.

I have added to this writing  a poem which I wrote many years ago for someone who asked me to write a poem for them in the loss of their mother...My hope is that it will touch you and make you take the time to reach out to those you love while they are still nearby ...before it is time for  their  homecoming....or quite possible even yours.

Living my life ...touching others for Him,

WPQ

GOD ONLY TAKES THE VERY BEST

God only takes the very best

Whose labors are now done;

And brings them home to quiet rest

At the setting of life’s sun.

He saw how Jeter was growing tired

Each step, how it took its toll;

So He brought him to His heavenly place

To make him well again and whole.

A golden heart no longer beating….

Tireless hands have now found rest

And in this, we find our comfort….

GOD ONLY TAKES THE VERY BEST!

He only takes the ones He loves

And though Jeter had to part;

We know that he has left behind

Special memories in our hearts.

For Jeter Lee is not truly gone,

He has only slipped away;

On a far and different journey….

Alas, we'll meet him again someday.

And on that wondrous, glorious morn

Oh, how we will be blest….

Home at last in our Father’s arms …

For God only takes the VERY BEST!

W. Patrick Queen

Reprinted May 6,2020