July Brings Sadness and Joy
July has been a month of contrasts. First of all, my brother and only sibling, Richard, passed away four days after his 78th birthday on July 14th. He had valiantly fought pancreatic cancer for a year and a half! That he was able to survive as long as he did after his diagnosis is a miracle to me. He leaves behind his sweet wife, Jan, and two sons, Kevin and Russell, and a daughter, Lisa and her husband, Steve. He had two grandsons, Aiden and Mason, that he adored. These people, his family, was his whole world. As sad as his passing is to all who knew and loved him, because of our faith in God we can find joy in the knowledge that he is now free from the disease of cancer and that we will be with him again. Without faith and belief in life after death, a loved ones passing would be unbearable. It is always sad for those left behind who must deal with the hole that has been left in their lives; however, our faith in God and his plan for us fills us with joy at the same time.