Well Done

Our family gets lots of opportunities to meet new people through business, community activities, and folks using the cabin. The purpose of this blog is to have a connection with new and old friends alike that choose to stay in touch. The guidelines I use when sharing with you are 3-fold. Make it interesting, make it from the heart, and make it short. I ask for a little grace this week on the last guideline. 

Have you looked ahead while traveling, saw an obstacle, and thought to yourself, I wonder how we are going to get around that, only to find out that there is a path right through it? Life is like that. We have situations here on earth that we don't think we can  get over. We ask God if we can go around or avoid them all together. Often times God takes us by the hand and walks us right through those trials. It ends up being the best way.

I grew up in a family that experienced that many times. My brother Dan was born normal, the third of six children and a twin. While in the hospital as a newborn there was a lack of oxygen to his brain and he became mentally handicapped. The doctors encouraged my parents to hold him because they didn't think he would live. I'm sure my parents, 24 and 25 years old at the time wondered how they would cope.

Although at a much slower pace, Dan grew up and accomplished many things. He loved to sing. He loved animals. He was expected to help with the chores just like the rest of us. While one of us "normal" brothers would climb the silo to throw down silage, Dan was to scoop up the silage below and distribute it in the cattle bunks. On endless occasions we would hear Dan either singing or preaching to the cattle instead of scooping. He loved to pretend he was a preacher. He also loved to pretend he was a policeman. While riding his bike around the farm yard he would give his younger brothers, Doug and Bill, a ticket. He was a very social person and loved church. He used to literally memorize the bulletin and he would shake hands with everyone. 

Because of Dan our family also grew in lots of ways. We became totally comfortable around special needs kids. We learned to help both Dan and each other. Our parents took in dozens of foster kids to live with us. With such a full house we were taught to share and serve and give. We had everything we needed with little to spare. I remember my dad saying financial losses usually turned into spiritual gains.

Dan also had wonderful caregivers and friends outside his family. Beside living at home he spent some time in Rock Valley, Pella, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, and finally Newton. The folks Dan got to know went above and beyond to accommodate Dan and his needs later in his life.

A little over a year ago Dan's coordination, health, and personality, started to deteriorate. A little over a month ago he lost most of his ability to speak or walk. Late one night about two weeks ago we were called and told Dan had taken a turn for the worst and was again in the hospital for a second weekend in a row. As I was getting ready to leave for Newton Jan sat beside me and said she would be praying for us. I asked her if we could pray together. For the last few weeks previous I had prayed for God's will concerning Dan's health. On this particular night, holding Jan's hand, I asked God to please allow my brother to die. I cried the whole time I asked.

 Dan went to glory early this past Friday afternoon. Dan's life's traveling days on earth are over and God took him by the hand and helped him through his last obstacle. Knowing God's promises I'm confident as he arrived in heaven he heard his Savior say to him, "well done". Knowing my brother Dan I'm equally confident he replied, "you bet".

Now as we prepare to say good bye we're sad and we're happy. We grieve the loss and at the same time we rejoice that Dan no longer has any obstacles to go through. For the first time in 54 years Dan is "normal". I don't know what heaven's like but I have been promised it's going to be pretty great. In my earthly mind I see Dan in heaven driving a red pickup(his favorite) looking for a banquet table(he loves to eat).

So, what about us that are still down here traveling? Are we confident in who we belong to both body and soul? Are we confident who will take us by the hand through our obstacles? And when we are finished here on earth do we have the assurance  that we will hear our Savior say, "well done"? You bet!!