I Miss My Friend

Today I stood in the hospital room of a friend recovering from triple bypass surgery. He had a heart attack last week. He was on a ventilator and under anesthesia for almost a week following, and continuous dialysis for a day or two, since his kidneys had shut down due to lack of oxygen in the blood.

We spoke about his plans to be released in a day or two, continue dialysis at a local hospital and do his video editing work from home.

We laughed as he poked fun at the "food" (his words) and the super strict diet they had him on, since he is also diabetic. he spoke the words "Mrs. Dash" with contempt, and spoke of a local spice blend he preferred, but could not have.

We prayed together- Russ, Donna, Pastor Charles, and myself- thanking God for His obvious care and provision. I hugged him, told him I loved him, and off we went, so he could get ready for dialysis.

Less than two hours later I was told he had thrown a blood clot in dialysis and had passed away.

...

I miss my friend.

I will miss the look on his face as he praised his God.

I will miss the joy he showed as he sang with his wife and daughter.

I will miss that look he gave when he thought I was full of crap, and then laugh.

I miss Russ.

...

But Russ knows that, doesn't he? Even now he's with his Jesus, singing and praising in a way he NEVER experienced on earth. I can actually visualize him, a pure, white robe, standing in the choir, singing for his King. (He wore robes for Christmas and Easter program. He was a very convincing Jesus, Joseph, or Peter.)

I want to stand by Russ one day.

Thank you, God for the time I had with your son, Russ. Thank you for his heart for worship, and his head for sound. Enjoy my friend- I know I'll see him again.