Sunday, September 23, 2007

It's a sad time in our family. Richard Hardt, my only brother went home to be with God Sept.22nd and left us all missing him and quite stunned. It's all new to us, this grieving thing and I want to do it well. I'm not asking "why" but just wondering what God is up to. We are all on the roller coaster in the grieving cycle and I know in my case, it's touch and go. For those of you who didn't hear, Rich was on his way home from work riding his usual route on the Harley and a truck pulled out and he didn't have a chance. We are christians and my family knows the Savior who has redeemed us and has sealed us and never ever leaves us, it's still hard. I already miss singing with him at holidays and sampling his cullinary masterpieces. Heaven's choir has a new baritone member and I imagined I heard him joining with our church choir voices this morning with the same audience, God on his throne and Jesus sitting to His right, all worshipping, it's still hard. I know it gets easier, this grieving thing, but until then, pray for us as we bear the grief of our loss and are reminded again that this life is a rehearsal for the real thing, we're just-a-passing through. Live well, love well, worship well and some day we will all be in the presence of the One who sought us and bought us with His own blood. It's still hard. Amen

5 comments:

Katie said...

Mom, This is really beautiful. I miss you but am so happy to be able to be with you this week. Love you so much.

Carl Herder said...

Mom,
This is beautiful. My heart will be with all of the family this week. I wish I were there.
Love,
Carl

Karen said...

Mom

Isn't it amazing that you just started this blog-thing and here you are a week later going through this? I'm so glad you are able to use this as an outlet in your grief. I'm praying to you as you navigate your mourning. I love you.

Karen

Anonymous said...

Marsha,

Becky and I were stunned to hear that Rich's sojourn has ended. We’ve made a point of hugging a bit more when we leave one another. Please tell Sally that are speechless over her loss. Thank you for writing so poignantly. We have so many gifts, so many promises and yet the pointedness of faith is still hard. Our family is praying for your family; and if we can be of any help whatsoever – even if it means babysitting ‘rat dog’ we’ll do it. With much love, Tucker – for the fam.

Anonymous said...

Rick and Marsha,
Tim and I have been profoundly affected by Rich's death these past few days. It seems only like yesterday we all we hanging around together and everyone was getting married etc. etc. Now our families are all grown and don't know one another. That brings sadness to my heart that my girls have not known the people that had the most profound influences in our Christian walk. Please send us Sally's address so we can extend our sympathies to her as well. So much has happened over the years but the bond of Christ's love will always keep you in our hearts. Maybe before we are all old we can see each other once again. This November will be 35 yrs since we met your Dad at Ossippee Community Church and He helped us in our infant walk with Christ. God's blessing on you all.
Love

Tim and Chris