David Brian Johnson 9/28/1954---12/8/25
I am so grateful for the life we shared and even more grateful that Dave is now with Jesus and out of his miserable body.
Tomorrow would have been our 48th wedding anniversary.
As he lay dying, I was holding his hand and reading from the Psalms and praying for his soul to be lifted. I sang Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, Grant us your peace.
Telling him it was ok to let go and let the angels take him up to heaven, and to not be afraid, I removed his wedding ring and put it on my finger and will wear it til we meet again. Then I saw a tear roll down his cheek and it was just minutes later that he breathed his last.
Then I washed his body and straigbtened him out to wait for the hospice nurse to come and carry out the procedures.
We, meaning his sister Carol and brother -in-law Dan, completed the paperwork to donate his body to Restore Life in Elizabethton TN and they will be picking him up shortly. There will be no funeral or wake or any of that. That is how I want my end to be too. Our priests have been here regularly praying for Dave and giving him communion when he could participate, which has been a long time ago now. I am surrounded by the most fabulous people and they have all prayed for a peaceful end, which of course is just exactly as it happened.
I have been weepy in the last few weeks but now I am rejoicing for his spirit and so glad that he is past from this life into eternal life. How do people do it who have no faith?
Oooh the sun just came out and my sister is on her way to bring me breakfast. What a glorious day.
Melody, I am sending so many prayers for you and your family, and rejoicing for the wonderful life you and Dave had together and for release for you both from his terrible illness.
ReplyDelete“ The End and a Glorious Beginning”
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words and faith 🩵
Ursula
What beautiful sentiments. So glad you have your faith, family and friends to support you.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss of Dave, Melody, but sharing your relief that his suffering is over.
ReplyDeleteThank you for including us with this message, and for including such a beautiful photo of Dave. I also appreciate what you've shared with us about a life of caregiving combined with continuing one's own activities--such a challenge to make it work. All best wishes to you as you step into a life without Dave's physical presence, but with a rich store of memories (from which the recent years of impairment may well recede), with the relief of the end of his suffering, and with the hope of reunion. . .
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeletePraying for peace for you.
ReplyDeleteOh dear sweet Melody, your love for David, your devotion to him and your care for him was such a testament to your heart’s spirit which is led by God. Thank you for sharing this lovely message of David’s life and his death and new life with the Lord. In sadness and rejoicing, I am with you in spirit and look forward to sharing time and a deep hug with you next week. Love, Pamela
ReplyDeleteMy mom just died recently. She died like your husband. I don't know how people do it without faith. One thing I do know is Jesus is right there with all of us always. We just have to take his hand.
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry for your loss but it is wonderful that end was peaceful and how Dave and you wanted it to be. You re lucky to be left with such wonderful memories of your long life together.
ReplyDeleteI think that is so important to tell them that it is okay to let go and let the angels take them. I did the same for my dad who was 99 and 9 months. He also passed shortly after. Dave had a long haul with the Parkinson's, from way back when you were in IL. It was time for peace, for both of you. Sending a virtual hug my friend.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Melody. Sending you peace and light.
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry for your loss and know David is looking down with a smile. Dan C
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry, but what a beautiful ending of this life
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Dave is now free and will look down on you with a smile.
ReplyDeleteYou are a strong woman. I am so sorry for your loss, but it's good that Dave's suffering is over and he is now in peace.
ReplyDeleteA peaceful end and a release. This should be for all creatures but especially our loved ones. I am glad for you and for David. When the end of an agony is approaching you do all of your mourning. After you then have time to reflect in joy at the time you shared and the wonderful memories you will always keep. While I send condolences for your loss I also rejoice in you life, both the one you shared together and your new one moving on until you join your beloved.
ReplyDeleteTe mindig a férjed mellett voltál, segítetted, ápoltad, gondoztad, megkönnyítetted az életét . És szeretted! Csodálatos asszony vagy! Éld tovább az életed! Alkoss sok gyönyörűséget!
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences. You two had some great adventures together, and I think the memories will bring you comfort.
ReplyDeleteMelody, your loss is deep and heart wrenching. Recently I spoke at my brother-in-laws funeral and the reading I chose was from anthropologist Margaret Mead. Remember Me:
ReplyDeleteTo the living, I am gone.
To the sorrowful, I will never return.
To the angry, I was cheated,
But to the happy, I am at peace,
And to the faithful, I have never left.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore, gazing at a beautiful sea - remember me.
As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty - remember me.
As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity - remember me.
Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, your memories of the times we loved,
the times we cried, the times we fought, the times we laughed.
For if you always think of me, I will never be gone.
Dave will continue living in your heart and your family's hearts. Blessings to you and all who know and love Dave.
Transitions aren't always easy, but it seems like you've got good spirits. You have my condolences and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAndrea in MO
Mes plus sincères condoléances et que la paix soit avec vous et votre famille
ReplyDeleteWe have followed you and Dave in your journey for so many years..I like to think your 'friends' have been on the highs, the lows with you. We have seen the love and compassion you displayed all these years. God bless you and Dave.
ReplyDeleteMelody...what a beautiful tribute. We don't know one another, but I've read your blog for many years. I'm sending my condolences and also the hope that you will take care of yourself. Having experienced the same situation with my mother, I know that it's a very long road. Be well, --Annette
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute. May God give you peace. 🙏🏾🕊️
ReplyDeleteAll the blessings to you and your family. The gift of seeing life come i to this world through our children and seeing it go out through our loved ones is one of those blessings. This life is indeed beautiful, I. It's many, many forms. Remember, Dave will always be with you, just in a different form. My you have comfort in this transition and getting used to the new.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. No matter how expected, it is difficult. Smile in the sunshine and breathe deeply.
ReplyDeleteOh, Melody, I just saw this. I am so very sorry. My sincerest condolences.
ReplyDeleteDear Melody,
ReplyDeleteGod bless you,
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Dave will always be remembered and missed.
DianeFrandsen
Sympathies to you but so happy Dave has left his suffering. I'm so glad I met both of you. Prayers for your peace and happiness.
ReplyDelete