They that live beyond the world cannot e separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.
William Penn
Cheryle was a very special woman who brought joy to my fathers life, and for that I loved her. She was thoughtful and kind, funny and smart. She inspired in my dad a devotion like I have rarely seen, the kind usually reserved for those married all their lives, not just the few short years that Cheryle and dad were blessed with. She inspired him to love.
1 Cor 13: 1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
I am grateful to have known Cheryle, to have shared in their lives. I loved seeing their pictures from cruises that they took. They seemed to almost enjoy counting the days, anticipating their trip as much as the trip itself. Cheryle was always thankful for all they had, all they did. Dad loved giving her gifts, usually Jewelry, and Cheryle never took for granted that he would always do so. She was always surprised and joyful each time she received such a gift.
Cheryle worked hard to understand her illness and to not be afraid. She often read from inspirational and devotional authors. She sought wisdom and strength from God in as manuy ways as she could. Dad often read to her from the Bible when she could no longer read to herself. There is no better source of comfort that the words of God. I leave you with these:
Mat 5:4 Blessed be those that mourn, for they will be comforted
1 Thes 4: 13-17
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
May the knowledge of God’s love and peace bring comfort to you Cheryle’s Family and friends