Steve

Today is Easter Sunday and I have sat and reflected on my week. Last Sunday at church Tony and I sat together as we always do, and we watched our church put on a drama that told the Easter story. We watched as Jesus was crucified. Tony and I had seen this many times, but that particular Sunday it was different. I had teared up for the first time, but at the end of the service I began to cry. I looked over at Tony and he was crying. For me, it was because I watched my best friend Becki and her 3 sisters get up and go pray for their dad.

For those who don't know Steve, he is one of the greatest men you will ever meet. I sat there in amazement watching 4 daughters (plus some of their other family members) pray at the alter. I knew their faith was solid, but I also knew their hearts were possibly breaking. I would have never thought Steve would need bypass surgery. However, I knew that no matter what Steve was at peace. I had only wished the rest of us could have been. I am so proud of his family. Watching the family pray, tears just fell from my eyes, but most of all I was admiring them because their witness to others. I only wish my witness could be that strong. Steve raised a family with a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that day anyone could see that. What an accomplishment.

When we got home that afternoon, Tony and I talked about what happened that day at church. It was the first time I had seen him cry at church. He was sad for Steve. Tony has always been drawn to Steve, mainly because Steve is so accepting of others, never judged Tony, and has always been there for our family. Even though Tony was sad, I told him my thoughts and how I felt it was such a strong sign of that family's faith and trust in the Lord. We both were at peace by the end of the conversation. It is funny how God uses others so that you can have an important conversation with the ones you love.

This Sunday I sat in church and looked at Steve's family. What a week they have had. Steve came thru surgery with flying colors. Surgery was on Monday and he was home on Thursday! I had to laugh at Tony though. Tony and I wanted to do something for the family, but we knew so many people would be at the hospital and it would be overwhelming. Tony prepared a goody bag full of toys and took it to the hospital. I read the note Tony put together and it was classic Tony, trying to make others laugh. I am not sure if they did laugh (Steve and Norma were both asleep when it was dropped off) but I chuckled as Tony said "hey from what I understand God gives second chances, I just wanted to help Steve get a second chance at being a kid again."

So to the family, thank you for sharing your lives with us and thank you for such a strong witness that you each have. And to Laura (one of Steve's daughters) good luck tomorrow on the birth of Luke. We can't wait to meet him!.