Rain, rain, rain! So much rain here in HN and the US. But today, we have started out with sunshine.  I hope it stays all day.

I returned to HN after a month in Kansas. My oldest son, Gary, died the 15th of September. He was diagnosed with cancer about two years ago.  He used to say that the worse thing that could happen to him was to live. Think about that one! He was ready to go and be with our Lord. He left behind a wife, three daughters, two sons-in-law, three grandsons, two brothers, two sisters, and a mother. He will be missed by all who knew him. His desire was to be cremated. His wife honored his desire. However, it was difficult for this mother when his ashes were scattered.  It was like he had never been here. No marker, no bones in the ground-nothing. Yes, I know that he was here. I birthed him and he has three daughters. And I know that he is with our Lord. But it was difficult. He was ready to go and he welcomed it.  Yes, he was concerned about his wife, etc. but he knew that the Lord would take care of her and the rest of his family. He was an inspiration to all that knew him and a reminder to us that we too, have an appointed time. I appreciated the Honor Guard from Ft. Riley coming to honor him. Gary was stationed there for a while before going to Belgium. He retired from the military after 22 or so years. I told him that he could not die before me and that he should cry at my funeral and not me at his. Well, that didn't happen. So now he will great me in that great beyond instead of the other way around.  Why the Lord took him, I don't know, but I know that the Lord does ALL things well and that he has a plan, a good plan, for my daughter-in-law. And I'm glad that my son is not suffering anymore.  As Job said, "The Lord gave,  and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."