In Memoriam...

This past week a friend of ours went to Heaven.  On Thursday morning we received a phone call that Robb Williford - beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend - went suddenly before us to his Heavenly home.  This news shocked us and immediately brought us to our knees for his family.  I have known his wife Tricia since High School, and met Robb when Steve and I were engaged.  He was the kind of man that made you feel like you had known him forever the moment you met him.  He and Tricia had the kind of marriage that fair tales are written about, he loved her with his whole being - and she loved him with hers.  Just knowing them made your world a better, brighter place. They have two little boys, 5 and 3, who adored their father, and was adored by him as well.

I wish with all my heart that I could say this was a mistake.  In fact, I had to go to the store twice to buy a card for them, because I just couldn't do it the first time.  Part of me kept thinking that it just wasn't happening.  It was by far the hardest purchase I have ever had to make. 

I wish that I could just fix this, make it all go away- but I cannot.  I wish I could provide Tricia with some clarity as to why this happened, but I cannot. 

I keep thinking of Steven Curtis Chapman's song 'Beauty will Rise' and the opening line about how it was the day the world went wrong - because last Thursday it did.  I know, as I am sure that Tricia and their families do, that this was part of God's Will for them.  But that doesn't make this any easier, or make me, or anyone who knew them, question "Why?" any less. 

Another part of that song says "It will take our breath away, to see the beauty that He's made out of the ashes". Our biggest prayer for them right now is peace.  And that they can at lease see a glimpse of the beauty.  Because it has to be there, because that is the only way that any of this makes sense.

Robb's memorial service is tomorrow evening, and my request to you, my readers, is to pray hard and fervent for them the next few days, weeks, months.  If you feel led, you can check out Tricia's blog here and leave them a message or prayer.

Robb, you will be missed here on earth by so many...

Isaiah 61:3
Provide for those who grieve in Zion - 

to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor