A Glimpse of Glory

We said good-bye last week to our friend and Doug's father, Larry Bischoff.
Actually, we said our good-byes a couple of weeks ago when Larry found out he just had a few days left on this earth, he called us to come and see him. We felt honored to be among the ones he wanted to speak to before he went Home.

Doug and Wendy and kids had left on August 5th from vacation here to go home. They got to spend some good times with Larry that week. However, he got pretty sick over the next weekend and had to be hospitilized. That's when he received the news that the cancer had spread so much that he didn't have too much longer. So Doug and Wendy and the kids drove back here on Wednesday, the 12th and stayed until the 19th. They spent most of the time sitting with Larry and Carlene, talking, reminiscing, cherishing the moments with him. They would tell us of how much he wanted to go Home. He was so ready to see Jesus! He was getting a glimpse of Glory!

Since Larry seemed to be holding his own, and the kids would start their new school on Monday the 24th and they were to meet the teachers on Friday, the 21st, Doug and Wendy made the tough decision to drive back to Houston, knowing that they would leave their bags packed and be ready to come back at a moment's notice. Well, they got to meet the teachers and they got to go to school on Monday and Tuesday. But on Tuesday evening, Larry went Home. So on Wednesday morning they all flew into Springfield and were here in time to help Carlene make arrangements. The funeral was Friday at Hamlin Memorial Baptist Church where he had grown up, married Carlene, raised their children, was a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and more. He would have been pleased at the wonderful service and how beautifully his daughter Gina sang "There's Just Something About That Name" and how sweetly Doug spoke about how much he loved and respected his dad. So many emotions on that day...... sadness that Larry won't be with his family, wrestling with the grandsons, doting on the grandaughters......but glad that he has a perfect body now, free of pain, and enjoying living in a way we "Can Only Imagine".

Now, Carlene has the difficult task of adjusting to this life without the man she has shared life with for almost 45 years. Doug, Wendy and the kids will fly home today. Oh, Father, help Carlene through the lonely times. Fill that emptiness and void in her heart with Your love and Your goodness. Be her strength in times of weakness and her shield from those who would try to take advantage of her. Be with Gina and Doug as they adjust to life without their Dad. Thank you that they can call on You, their Heavenly Father, to be their strength and their comfort...

Doug and Wendy and kids went to church and lunch with Carlene on Sunday morning. We had Matt's birthday supper Sunday evening so they came over and ate with us and let all the cousins play together before they head back to Houston today.

This life is such a roller coaster ride............

Donna