"Soon"

80 years ago today, it was 1927. 80 years ago today, Ruth was VERY pregnant. She was beautiful, but uncomfortable. Excited, but nervous. Tired, but not sleeping well. Restlessness, anciness & nesting consumed her thoughts and actions, I'm sure. She must have been filled with impatient wonderment at the fact that she could go into labor at any moment.

What would this labor be like? This was to be her first baby. Was it really as bad as everyone said it would be? Would she be able to endure it? Sure she could. She was tough. Women in her family had been giving birth for years.

Lester, her husband, was probably just as excited and impatient. He probably watched Ruth's every move to see if she showed any signs of pain or change. He loved her so much. He would be a good father. She was sure of this. They would make a good team. Helpmates they were. Whatever lack of funds or experience they had, they knew there God would make up the difference; their questions quieted by faith.

It was cold outside on this Virginia, December day, but they must have been warm with the excitement of the grand event that lay ahead. Would it be a boy or a girl? Would it be healthy. They were due to find out soon.

"Soon" is a very relative term when you are pregnant. A week can seem like an eternity. Despite there excitement, and anticipation, a week is what it would take before Lester & Ruth could meet there baby.

On December 19th, Ruth gave birth to a son...just in time for Christmas. They named him Donald Gene. They were so proud. The love that filled there hearts was intense. Their wait was finally over.

80 years later, Lester & Ruth are probably growing restless again. They are filled with an impatient wonderment that the moment could happen at any time. Looking at each other with the same, intense love that they had in there eyes 80 years ago, they talk about what it will be like. They are so proud. What will he look like? When will he get here? "Soon" is all they've been told. "Soon" still seems like an eternity, but their questions are quieted yet again by faith.

They've been called. They've been summoned. They've been asked to stand ready. A beautiful woman that they have recently enjoyed a delightful visit with joins them. Her excitement can hardly be contained either. She talks about how she can't wait to get one of his famous "love pats". They pass the time by sharing memories and reminiscing about Don. They keep watching...waiting. Jesus wouldn't have asked them to come if it wasn't time yet.

I wish I could be there. I wish I could stand there with them as "soon" comes to pass, but I can't. I wish I could experience the reunion and the hugs. Oh how I want to be apart of those hugs. The laughter, the reminiscing.

It's not God's plan for now, though. Instead, I will stand here, cold on a December day. My heart will ache to where it's hard to breathe...somewhat like the way it did a month and a half ago. I already have questions, but faith is already at work quieting them. When I picture this happy, excited welcoming party, the cold just drifts away.

They are ready for you, Grandpa. Mom, Great Grandpa & Great Grandma are all waiting. You've almost left us twice already, but this time we know it's certain. I'm here just waiting for the call. I'm happy for you, Grandpa. I want you to go. You need to go. I just wish Jesus would come and take us all together. I trust His timing, though. I'll keep living purposefully until that day comes.

Tell Mom I said "hi". Tell her we are making it. Hurting, but trying to make her proud. Tell her that I love her, and I miss her so much. Give each other big hugs for me.

Even though it seems like an eternity away, I'll see you both "soon".

PS. Happy Birthday...one week early