Difficult day at church yesterday.

[John Schmidt]

This past week I heard on the news of some 23 yr. old scumbag killing an elderly gent in cold blood. The scum then took his own life while locked up. When I arrived at church yesterday I noticed our head usher, Wally, wasn't at his usual post. Turned out he was the victim. Wally was 87, lived alone, had gone to a local spot for some take-out dinner. The scumbag hijacked him in the parking lot, forced him to drive to his home and went inside with him where he shot him in the head. He then ransacked the place and took credit cards and his car and left. The next morning, his neighbor that always checked on him wasn't getting any response when he rang the doorbell....so went inside and found Wally. The scumbag was caught rather quickly, still had Wally's car.

Wally always had a great smile, great handshake, and some great...albeit rather corny....jokes. One can't help but wonder WHY! What could this guy possibly gain with a random killing like that? He had a rather long list of encounters with the law but never murder. At least he saved the taxpayers some money.

Then this morning I received some additional news....partly heartbreaking and yet rather joyful. I have an older cousin named Donna that had just turned 85 a couple weeks ago. About that same time she experienced a slight stroke and was having some obvious difficulties. More recently she was placed in Hospice Care, her time seemed short. A little after midnight last night I awoke and was real restless for some time, then suddenly felt real relaxed and fell back asleep. This morning another close cousin living in the same town called, telling me of her passing a little after midnight.  She and I were raised much like siblings...we were both orphans as children(long story not for this board). Through the years she had been my "big sister" and spiritual mentor, among many other things....through both good and bad times in our lives. Losing her is heartbreaking, we were as close as any two people could possibly have been. The joyful part....she's now with our family that have gone on before us and she suffers no more. After her first stroke, she had a short period of total mental competence and we had a two hour phone chat...our last one. During our chat she was totally lucid in our conversation, the next day she went into a total relapse from which she never recovered. All in all, these are rather difficult times. 

[Rams]

My condolences, I know words will not fill the void but, should you need assistance that I can provide, feel free to tell me.   If I can, I will.

[John Schmidt]

Thanks for offer Rams, it will just take some time but I'll be fine. It helps that today is a bright, sunny and cool day here in central Florida. 

[Pete]

Condolences and best wishes to you and the families.

Hell and damnation to the perp.

[specialdose]

     Bless your heart John. I know from reading your many post that you are a child of God. I know His love will get you through  this. Prayers for you my brother in Christ......

[solo1]

John, my condolences.  On the first, this world is wicked.

On the second, I've lost my wife and all four of my sisters.  I still miss my wife.  The last sister was my 'buddy' and it was hard to see her go.

You have, most certainly, seen your share of heartbreak.  We both know that we''ll see all those that went before us again.

wayne

[Skinhead]

Condolences and sorry things are rough at the moment, All I can say is hang in there and I hope things improve soon.

[DDT (12)]

I'm really sorry for your loss, John... Warmest regards and best wishes for... you know...

DDT

[wiggydotcom]

So sorry to hear the news about Wally and Donna, John. we can never have enough friends in our lives. As we get older those friends get fewer and more precious! Prayers sent to you!

[Patrick]

Sorry to hear this. Don't know what else to say. Sorry.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I too am sorry to hear this. But I appreciate you letting us in your world and telling the stories. 

[old2soon]

Having in the last couple years lost a Half Sister my Baby Sister and a B I L and I can sorta relate. Beyond that I do NOT have the words. Prayers up John from The Missouri Ozarks. Your Strength and GODS Everlasting Arms WILL see you through. 

[TJ]

      

[Alpha Dog]

Condolences John.  Pure evil with the scumbag that took the life of Wally.
That is a very good way at looking of the passing of Donna.  The relaxing feeling was she came to your room upon her passing.  I guess you did not see her as often happens however her message got through in some form that she is OK and all is well.  This is not uncommon for those close to us.  It happened with my stepson Jeremy almost 4 years ago and my wife and myself recognized it at the time it was happening.  

[Robert]

Had an experience similar to yours with Donna, when my wife's father passed. I really loved this man although we did not speak that much. One tough sob but had a heart of gold and a awesome businessman. Loved his family took care of them. I walked in to see him one last time and left after a short visit. Was a bit sad and upset and all of sudden about an hour later and without explanation I started to be really happy. It didn't last long but I knew he made it and was told later it was the time of his passing.

I know that God is in control and I know more make it into heaven than we think. But when we loose here one so close here on earth it still hurts. I always say to myself they are away maybe on vacation and I will see them one day. For me it seems to take some of the sting out.

After much research and prayer I have confident that most are in such a better place and in no pain. The ways people go are shocking but in the twinkling of an eye they are at peace and joy.

What It’s Like to Escape From the Brink of Death
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/04/dying-near-death-experiences/

project afterlife pretty awesome.
https://www.destinationamerica.com/tv-shows/project-afterlife/

https://www.destinationamerica.com/tv-shows/project-afterlife/full-episodes/overdose-in-the-underworld-hustlers-redemption

Death is not the end.

[Karen]

John, you've borne more heartaches than most, my heart goes out to you for your latest losses. He does not give us more to carry than we can handle, you are one of the strongest people I know. Glad you were able to feel the peace of her passing, the ones that go before us have a way of touching us and letting us know they are in Good Hands. My faith is firmer every day that I have. Prayers and kind thoughts coming your way.

[John Schmidt]

To everyone, thanks for the kind thoughts and words. They really do help. After a period of emotion, I found myself helping my wife get ready for a mid-afternoon appt. with her oncologist. When we arrived and were sitting through the usual wait that seems to go with all such visits, I observed my wife as she sat in her wheelchair. This once energetic and impulsive person was sitting slumped down in the chair, unable to do much of anything for herself any longer, the tremors of Parkinsons wracking her entire body, causing pain in many areas of the body. This morning she weighed 81 lbs. fully dressed, having lost over 25% of her body weight in the last two years. I won't quit or give up, but it breaks my heart just to watch the struggle. I couldn't help but wonder..........

[The emperor has no clothes]

To everyone, thanks for the kind thoughts and words. They really do help. After a period of emotion, I found myself helping my wife get ready for a mid-afternoon appt. with her oncologist. When we arrived and were sitting through the usual wait that seems to go with all such visits, I observed my wife as she sat in her wheelchair. This once energetic and impulsive person was sitting slumped down in the chair, unable to do much of anything for herself any longer, the tremors of Parkinsons wracking her entire body, causing pain in many areas of the body. This morning she weighed 81 lbs. fully dressed, having lost over 25% of her body weight in the last two years. I won't quit or give up, but it breaks my heart just to watch the struggle. I couldn't help but wonder..........

John, I hope I can have just half the grace and dedication you have for your Rita. You are a good man. 

[Farside]

Wow John, very sorry to hear of your friend Wally from church losing his life from the hands of some dirt bag pure evil person. God Rest his soul.  
 With the passing of Donna as she went she made a visit to you which was her message. She had you in her thoughts which was evident. I feel your belief's are similar too mine and you are at peace with her passing and she was too. Knowing that you will be reunited with family and friends is a wonderful thing isn't it! God Bless Donna and your family John.  

[Black Dog]

Sad to hear...  you are in my thoughts.
Black Dog

[gordonv]

Condolences John. Prayers for their souls, and for your healing.

[da prez]

  John , words can not express the feelings.  Hugs may help , but time will only sooth , not cure.

  Deepest sympathy my friend.

                                             da prez

[Hook#3287]

There is so much to respond too in this post that all I can say is, all though we may never meet in person, you are some one I always wanted too.

Your devotion to your family and friends only proves it.

My condolences and best wishes.

[Robert]

Sorry John, it hurts like hell to see the one you love suffering like this. This is what happened to my wife's father. A reminder that the spirit part of us is ok She is still in there and still very much alive and in good condition in that container. Keep praying, keep speaking to her since her spirit is still alive and able to understand.

[3fan4life]

It is said that God doesn't give us more than we can handle (with His help).

Sometimes it does seem that He thinks we are stronger than we do.

This song has been playing a lot on Christian radio lately:

https://g.co/kgs/fbYNQP

Lyrics:
They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I'm losing bad
I've stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it'll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can't

It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

You've been faithful, You've been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
'Cause I know You're able
I know You can
I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

[Charlie McCready]

Sorry to hear about your losses John. Hope you're feeling better soon. We visited an ol' friend in Maryland last week that has Parkinson's.  It is heartbreaking to see this man I worked with 48 years ago in the shape he's in now.  Thinking about you buddy !!!