Wednesday, July 09, 2008

I Saw Him

The grieving process is long. It is draining. And each day I go through it, it is different. I hope you who read this do not tire of my ramblings of Dave. I don't have a plan of what to write or how long I will mention his name. But I know that it still hurts. I know it will take time.

My sister told me to journal as writing always helps me through. She shared something with me the other day about this loss. She told me as sad as the situation is, she has never before learned so much about Dave and how compassionate he was. All his stories are coming out. People continue to share about his life and their encounters with him. And those who never really had the opportunity to meet him are getting a glimpse of who he was.

Yesterday was his memorial service. We all crowded into the auditorium to pay our respects. We listened as those spoke of their memories of Dave and cried as his daughter read the lyrics to his favorite song, Let There Be Peace On Earth and Let It Begin With Me... I could hear him sing it as he sang it a few months ago for us during a staff meeting. I cried thinking of all the special moments we shared and how much I missed him.

But I saw him...

I saw him in his family as he helped shape them into the community-minded individuals they are. I saw him in his daughter as she stood there silent and strong, caring for those who were greeting her though she was too was grieving. I saw him in the eyes of the PULSE students who sat together as a group supporting each other and remembering the leader they all loved and respected. I saw him in my sister who held me up when I could not stop crying long enough to get a breath.


I hope to continue seeing him in actions of service and love for that is what he was about. God blessed my life by knowing Dave. God walks with me during this time of weakness. May God keep Dave alive in our hearts while we continue to walk through life putting into action all he has taught us about being caring, genuine, and loving each person as our brothers and sisters.

8 comments:

Scott, Melanie, Gretchen said...

Amazing love you show towards a dear friend. You are strong!

jackie said...

I have tears in my eyes as I read this post. I, obviously, didn't know Dave, but I can tell that he was a great man. You are so blessed to have known him; isn't it awesome that you were on this earth at the same time as him? May he continually be seen in you, his family, and everyone who loved and knew him. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about him. I pray that you will as long as you need to.

"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it." 1 Cor. 12:26

Anonymous said...

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze on.
Some people stay for a while, leaving footprints on our hearts, and we will never, ever be the same.

We grieve for you Jenna, in your grief. We love you.

Angela said...

Your writing is amazing. Your faith is amazing. You are amazing.

Anonymous said...

You are in my prayers as you are grieving such a special friend!

Jessica said...

still praying for you as well. lots of love!

Jess said...

you only had to meet dave once to be affected and we will never run out of his amazing stories of giving, living, and caring! so many people have been blessed by the impact he has had on our lives and now it is time for us to share what we learned from his giving spirit and apply it to our lives. i know my kids will benefit greatly from your friendship with dave! he just keeps giving, doesn't he? love you tons!

Alicia said...

Jenn, what a wonderful tribute. I had tears in my eyes while reading all of your kind words about your dear friend. I've been praying for you because this is never easy. But somehow God gives us strength to get through it. I love you!!