A Legacy of Love

The new year started off in an unexpected way for us this year. My grandfather, Ray Tillman, who battled Alzheimer's for over 10 years passed away January 3, 2014 just two days after turning 84. 

My grandmother, Jean, passed away a few days later, January 7th, on what was supposed to be the day of my grandfather's funeral. She went to be with Jesus and her husband in the middle of the night. Although we were shocked to lose her so suddenly, we knew this was an answer to her prayer. 

My mom and her sisters did an AMAZING job of honoring the life the Lord blessed the both of them with at their joint funeral.

As I watched the video my mom prepared and listened to the eulogies, all kinds of wonderful memories flooded back from my childhood that included both of them. I was also reminded of some traits that I get from them. What a blessing to have had such wonderful grandparents in my life and for as long as I did! I miss them both so much.

I want to share a story my Aunt Betsy (in the red sweater above) wrote and beautifully read at their funeral. I love it and want to always remember how the Lord wrote their love story.

The 2nd Greatest Love Story

I’m going to tell you about the 2nd greatest love story.  First though, I should make sure everyone knows the greatest love story.   When sin entered the world, there was a divide – a separation between God and man.  But God, who loves us so much, gave His son – His only son, to save us from our sins and serve as a bridge so we can cross that divide.  Anyone who believes that Jesus died for their sins, and asks Him to be their Savior can come into God’s presence and have eternal life.  What a sacrifice!  What a love story!

The 2nd greatest love story started with two people on different ends of the world.  One was born in Chicago, and was raised on a farm in Ohio.  He milked cows and worked the farm before and after school, as his mom worked at her restaurant. The other was born and raised on the island of Saipan.  Her parents too were farmers, but she saw the ravages of war take them away, as well as brothers and sisters.  She was hungry, thirsty, and scared when she was taken to a war camp.  But she learned English, and got a job at a hospital and then at the Base Exchange.  

Fate brought the Ohio farm boy, now an Air Force serviceman, to Japan where he met this beautiful Japanese young lady.  He was attracted by her outward beauty and quick smile, but fell in love with her tender heart, strength, sweet disposition, and wit. They married in Japan before returning to Ohio to meet his family and build a life together.  

The young couple started a family in the US, having a daughter they adored.  The serviceman worked extra jobs to support his family, while the young couple’s love and commitment continued to grow.  They moved every 2 years or so as duty called, being blessed with 4 more daughters.  While the husband worked to provide, the wife worked to nurture the children, and together they raised a loving family.

Fast forward 45 years, the husband and wife have buried a daughter, and watched the other 4 marry.  The husband starts forgetting things, becomes confused, and sometimes irrational.  The memory loss worsens, and the wife repeatedly pulls out their marriage license and tries to convince him they ARE married.  The disease worsens, but the devoted wife continues to take care of her husband, until a seizure takes over his body, he falls, and isn’t able to return home.

The wife goes every morning and every evening to visit and feed her husband at the nursing home.  She pushes his wheelchair, sings to him, and always kisses him goodbye.  She washes his clothes, combs his hair, puts Chap Stick on his lips, and takes cookies to the nurses.

Five years pass, and the husband has pneumonia in both lungs.  As he struggles to breath, the devoted wife stands by his side, strokes his hair and tells him, “Everything is okay, you can go.”   But the next day when he’s gone her heart breaks.  Her one love and best friend has left, and she feels the void.  While she remains strong for her family, her heart longs to be with her husband of 59 years.  She goes to sleep and wakes up in heaven, as God answers her prayer.  She meets Jesus and is reunited with her husband and daughter.  Her laughter returns.  Her journey is complete, and they are together for eternity.