At 4: 30 a.m. this morning my older brother in law, and Vietnam combat veteran, passed on to Heaven's Gates to be with his Wife (my wife's older sister) who left this world about five years ago. As a relatively young man, late 30's, he came down with severe rheumatoid arthritis that constantly just ate his joints away, fingers, toes, feet, shoulders, hips. He was a good athlete and we played softball together for many years.. Excellent first baseman. I played third at that time and he always complained I threw too hard.. Well, ya got to get the ball to him before the batter so ya has to throw hard.
He was wise and true believer in Christ and had a wonderful testimony.. He has been in Heaven now about five hours and I am sure all the family there has met him at the eastern gate. He has seen the Lord Jesus and been given a brand new indestructible body that looks like HIM only it it eternal.. He is out of pain forevermore for which I am glad.
I am the Oldest male in the family now. His daughters, my nieces, and all the other nephews and neices and my wifes younger brother and wife are all much younger than I..
I have kept a watchful eye on my sister in law who is oder than my wife and taken care of some house problems she had earlier and helped her with her car and tires.
She knows I am glad and happy to help and am only ten minutes away.
But Jim is another thing. I always looked up to him and he helped me get my first job at Cincinnati Milacron as an engineer. I spent eight years there before going to Grumman..
He is happy now and out of pain. He has an everlasting body now that is incorruptible and will never die.
My wife will likely outlive me and her two sisters, one of which stays at our home over holidays and special events who is single. Those two are the closest in age 2 years apart.
We all knew this day was coming and my heart goes out to Jim's daughters and sons in law who are both very smart and have great jobs with large companies. Well educated and successful.. So they will be okay..
The torch has passed now and I am now the family patriarch. I honestly never believed this would happen until much later. So we will await word from our nieces about funeral arrangements and services.
I am sure this is a blessing for all involved as the girls were always taking care of their father and it is time consuming.
May you bask in the glorious Light and Love our savior and Lord for all eternity Jim. I'll see you when I am called to go home and meet you at the eastern gate my friend. Enjoy all the beauty of our Savior and the glories of Heaven. I will see you before long..
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