Vi ses, Johannes

Psalm 116:15:
"Precious in the eyes of Yaweh,
is the death of his saints."

"Kostbar i Herrens oejne, er hans froemmes doed."

It's been a while...Audrey is recuperating and now there are many things on our heart with regard to her health, vaccines and our trip. Any prayers, for wisdom & discernment on our behalf will be greatly appreciated.

More importantly, one of my best friends, Marian, lost her dad Sunday night. Our hearts join hers in mourning his passing. I had the privilege of knowing Johannes, and held him in high esteem. His smile, fiery spirit, determination and faithfulness in the midst of great trials, are to be greatly admired. Even greater, his earthly body gave my beloved friend a soul.

This is an English translation in of something she wrote to her friends (in Danish).

***
Dear friends!

I write to you because my father, and hero, has just died after a brief illness, 79 years old, on November 3rd, at 4:10am.

He was probably the toughest human that I have ever known, probably ever will know, and it is a huge loss to lose him as a father, an example, and an intercessor. I am certain, however, that he is is much better off where he is now and, that he, himself, is satisfied.

Despite a life-long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, which tied him to a wheelchair, paralized in all extremities except his right arm (which was his lifeline), he continued to live in his own home, with very little help. Only a few months ago, he cut his own grass, planted potatoes, weeded under his hedges, grocery shopped and simply could not imagine living at a convalescent home because, 'then you were really handicapped!' Moreover, he had a great sense of humor and was, in general, just always ready to fight for life.

Quite suddenly, however, he had serious pain in his right shoulder, which was difficult to diagnose and treat, and eventually, brought him to his knees. He didn't do well with the high doses of morphine prescribed, nor did it always help relieve the pain. Last weekend he suddenly took a turn for the worse, experienced chronic itching and swelling, and was clearly 'disappearing' from us. Friday, he would no longer receive food or water and, in the middle of the night, he suddenly exhaled one last time while the nurse was in his room.

An incredible person has left us, but he has lit a fire in my own heart--as well as that of many others', which will continue to burn, long after his death.

***
Vi ses, Johannes. You are surely one of the few to whom God will say, 'Well done, my good and faithful son!'
On a side note, you're making we-fainthearted, look really, really bad.