Homecoming ...Finally at Rest!

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 and 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 Jeto (the nickname given to him by his grand kids) 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 28 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 by a well-loved man of God.

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 your heart and get you to 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. Don't miss the opportunity to let them know that you will see them on the other side of this world in a place called HEAVEN.

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 your loved one was growing tired

Each step, how it took its toll;

So He brought them to His heavenly place

To make them well and completely 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 they had to part;

We know that they have left behind

Special memories in your heart.

For your loved one is not truly gone,

They  have only slipped away;

On a far and different journey….

Alas, you’ll meet again someday.

And on that wondrous, glorious morn

Oh, how you will be blest….

Home at last in your Father’s arms …

God only takes the VERY BEST!

W. Patrick Queen

August 2007