Gene

 

                                                                                                              - Photo by DC Curry

I helped my friend bury his daughter today.

It's a good thing so much of our communication is nonverbal. There weren't words to describe the grief. No descriptors could abridge the sorrow. 

The tragic accident that ended the mortal life of Gene's youngest child stole a daughter from her mother and father, took a young bride from her courageous and faithful husband, held a sister from her siblings, ended the instruction of a teacher with her students and pulled a wonderful Christian away from her ministry.

Rachael Ort Leazenby's sudden departure is heartrending and terrible.

Dr. Bob's funeral message was wonderful, filled with hope and truth. Pastor Jim's eulogy was personal and helpful. Dan's songs were inspiring. Jeff's media was powerful.

But, tonight my friend Gene goes to bed knowing Rachael has gone ahead of him to glory.

"Gene," I said. "I've known many fathers. I've watched them. I've seen how they care for their daughters. I've seen them raise their kids."

Pulling him close I told him the truth I knew. "Gene, you are a great father to Rachael. She couldn't have had a better dad. She got up every day knowing you loved her. She soared because of your love. You gave her what she needed to be a wonderful wife and devoted Christian. Her years were enriched by her Daddy's love."

I finished by saying, "You're a great man. You're a great father. Rachael enjoyed what many daughter's never experience, the love of a wonderful father. You did well Gene. I'm proud of you."

After the services at the church and the graveside I went home more determined to do the next right thing as a husband and father. Life is short. I want to be a good Dad.

Tonight I'm praying for Sheila and my kids.

And tonight I'm praying for Gene and Mary.

They still have kids and grandkids to raise.

Psalm 13:2-6
How long, LORD? Will you utterly forget me?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I carry sorrow in my soul, grief in my heart day after day?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look upon me, answer me, LORD, my God! Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death, Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed," lest my foes rejoice at my downfall.
I trust in your faithfulness. Grant my heart joy in your help, That I may sing of the LORD, "How good our God has been to me!"

Comments

[James Kytta]

My heart goes out to Gene and Mary. I cannot imagine the terrible pain and sorrow of losing a child. I know that she is in glory with Jesus but we are still here and must deal with the situation. I for one will pray for peace and comfort from Jesus. I know that many from GCC will surround them with their love and comfort.
1 Chronicles 7:22 "And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him."
Job 2:11 "And Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, and they each one came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had met together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him."
Jeremiah 31:13 "Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them and make them rejoice from their affliction."
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore comfort one another, and edify one another, even as you also do."

[Scott Fillmer]

wow, what a story... sorry to hear about the loss, especially this time of year.