Fanfare for a Friend


Two days after Christmas a friend of mine died. He too had cancer and was diagnosed a few months before I was. During chemotherapy we messaged each other a few times comparing experiences and lack of hair! He was also a musician (he played the trumpet, of was it flugal horn?) and a Christian.

When I heard the news about his death yesterday I was not prepared for the range of emotion that came over me.

It suddenly brought everything back - all those feelings of sadness when I was first diagnosed. I kept thinking 'That could be me. That could be me'. We had such a happy Christmas, made all the sweeter that I was there to share in it. But my friend's Christmas was very different.

Our lives and journeys were similar and intersected on a variety of levels, yet he is gone and I am still here. I guess I have a bit of survivor's guilt. I just need to accept that I will never understand all of God's plan for our lives. He gives and he takes away, yet my heart will choose to say 'Lord, blessed be your name'. Even in the midst of sorrow, God is still God and he is still in control. Even though my friend has died of the very thing that could have killed me (and still can) I still choose to trust God. I still cling to my rock who is stronger than I. He is able to remain steady and stable in the midst of the storm.

So here's to you, Brian! Your gentleness and friendship will not be forgotten. You are now free from the pain and suffering of this world. I'm sure everyone up there with you is dancing along with your trumpet playing - how great that must be! I look forward to joining in when my time comes.

A fanfare for a friend.

Comments

  1. Our friend died.......Yet He Lives !! Blessings Matt continuing to pray for your continued healing xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brian was an incredible inspiration, we talked at length about healing and he fully understood that it may be his healing would be in the next life rather than this one. One thing he was certain of, despite all the pain and suffering, he would be healed one way or another and now he has. He, like those of us left behind, would rather it be here on earth because we didn't want to loose Brian and Brian loved his family and friends. I thank God for having had the oppertunity to know Brian and for his example of total faith, he will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind, a humble life well lived and an example of faith in The Lord.
    I am very grateful to The Lord that He chose to heal you, Matt, in this life. Feel no guilt for things out of your control, The Lord's plan, we need you and all you do in His name.
    God bless you Matt and God bless you Brian now you are with The Lord and have received your final reward.
    Rev. Adrian.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I always love reading the comments and thoughts of others. Please leave your comment in the section below. Thanks.

Popular posts from this blog

Snot and Tears

Are You a F.A.T Leader?

Worship Setlist for the New Year