52 weeks

In Memory of Terri Anne Otto

52 weeks ago today, Terri died.

Really it will be one year tomorrow, January 16th, but the suddenness and suffering of a sin-stained world reared up and struck down a truly beautiful flower in the predawn darkness of a Saturday morning exactly 52 weeks ago.

This morning I woke up early to head out to a men's function at my church.  Gray and misty, God had served up an identical Saturday morning to January 16, 2010.  He seemed to dress it in the appropriate cloak of mourning because hearts still ache the loss.

For those who have lost a loved one without notice, you know well the white-hot agony that sears the soul, the feeling that all of the oxygen in the cosmos has vanished leaving you gasping for breath.  Only the spouse who has lived as one flesh with his beloved can know the sting of your wife torn from your side.  Such wounds do not heal in a week or a month.  The raw pain abates into a steady ache.

52 weeks later we give thanks to God for the years he blessed us to know Terri Anne Otto.  At the same time sadness still takes hold as to my mind it would seem far better for her to still be here.

With the limited perspective of a toddler, we will trust in the direction of our faithful Father who promises that all will be well.  We know that even now Terri is more than well as she walks in the presence of her God and Savior.

Please, God, continue to bless and comfort her man, Dave, and her children, Mattie, Nathan, and Olivia, with the solace only you can provide.

And then, come quickly, Lord.