A MATTER OF DEATH AND LIFE

One evening nearly three weeks ago now I logged onto Facebook to find distressing news: an old friend had died too young - a massive heart attack at age 36.  I first met Jason when I arrived in Le Mars, Iowa in 1991 as a newly trained youth pastor, fresh out of college.  Jason was finishing junior high that spring and it didn't take me too long to get to know him, his parents, Bill and Jodee, and two younger sisters, Jennica and Jonalee, and his little foster brother named Spencer. 

I was young, single guy 700 miles from my family and Jason's family adopted me as part of their own.  His parents became two of my most trustworthy youth ministry helpers, and Jason earned a reputation as one of the most hard-working and fun-loving teens I have ever known.  The whole family was such a joy to spend time with.

Of course, I stayed in touch with them even after life took me in new directions over the following years.  Two years ago I was thrilled to bring Melissa and the kids to Le Mars for a few days to meet Jason and his family. 

Then, three weeks ago, Jason had a massive heart attack and died on his parents' couch, leaving behind a wife of six years and a recently adopted daughter along with all his other relatives and friends. 

Melissa and I agreed the night we heard the news that I should make the effort to get back to the funeral.  I spent the next day making flight arrangements (from Cap Haitien to Florida to Omaha) and writing substitute plans for school. Since the next week at Cowman was going to be a short one (in honor of a Haitian holiday) we decided I should not rush the trip and, instead, allow time for me to swing through Indiana for a quick visit with my mom after the funeral. 

Below are some pictures from my trip:

Coming back into the U.S. after 9 months away can be mighty strange.  Does anyone really need a vending machine for electronics?

I made it to Omaha early enough that Friday afternoon to hitch a ride with Jason's aunt and uncle, making it to the visitation on time.  There was a line of mourners out the door and across the parking lot for over four hours.

Hard to believe ...

I woke up Saturday morning to a glorious Iowa day.  So thankful for the generosity and hospitality of good friends, Dixie and Calvin, who put me up for the night in their brand new home. 

Came across reminders of new life after death as I walked to Bill and Jodee's house Saturday morning before the funeral.  I was thrilled to catch a bit of spring - coming from the land of perpetual summer heat.  I was quite chilled throughout most of my week back in the States. 

Jodee cradling Jennica's sweet little girl.

Jason's funeral was like no other I've been to.  Jason had lived a few "prodigal son" years as a young adult and then had come back to Christ in a powerful and unmistakable way a few years ago.  His family was comforted by so many testimonies of those who were touched by Jason's life and his faith.  The funeral turned into an outright WORSHIP service and the officiating pastor even finished with an altar call!  And you know what?  Twelve souls were added to the Kingdom that day.  New life in the midst of death!

Jason's daughter had the idea of lighting and releasing Japanese lanterns in honor of his life and so that is how we spent that evening at a local park.

Bill lights a lantern.  No father could have loved a son more dearly than Bill has. I am tearing up now as I look at these pictures and consider the pain Bill and Jodee, and the rest of the family, are  enduring right now.

Jonalee lights a lantern for her brother.  More tears.

Jonalee, Spencer, Jennica and Eliana break ground in Bill and Jodee's backyard to plant a rose bush in Jason's honor.

Don't even ask.  Let's just say that Jason's sense of humor lives on in his sisters.

On Monday, Bill and Jodee drove me to the Sioux Falls airport. My flight to Chicago got delayed 14 hours and then more delays in Chicago.  So  glad to finally touch down in Indianapolis where I was picked up, fed and delivered to my mother's house by good friends, Bob and Jill.  After a quick visit in Indiana, I was back on a plane to Orlando by Thursday afternoon and departing for Haiti by Friday morning.  It felt like coming home.

Brought back some goodies for the kids and Melissa, so everyone was excited to help me unpack!

And that following Sunday, since I had missed Mother's Day, we had a do-over.  (Especially since Melissa was left here over a week to hold everything together while I travelled.) Apparently, without my coaching, three out of four kids forgot to even wish Melissa a happy Mother's Day on the actual holiday.  Oops!  With coaching, Samuel and Caleb managed, a week late, to assemble a nice little bouquet and ...

... breakfast in bed. I must admit, I have been a little more thankful and bit more attentive to my wife and kids since returning.  None of us knows how long we get. 

I had the honor of speaking briefly at Jason's funeral.  I took the opportunity to share an observation.  I knew the Midwest had suffered through a terrible winter, so it occurred to me as I got a glimpse of springtime beauty that there was no way I could possibly appreciate and treasure the spring like the folks who had lived through a tough winter.  The tougher the winter, the more joyous the spring!  I know that Bill and Jodee, Jonalee and Jennica, Jason's wife, Mindi, and their daughter are all going to have some awfully tough days ahead.  I know life will never be the same.  I know the sense of loss will make some days downright bitter and nearly unbearable.  It's going to be a tough winter.  But the reunion coming in Heaven will be a springtime like no other.  Not only will we be reunited with our loved ones, we will be in the presence of the King Himself. For eternity. 

Personally, I can hardly wait for spring.