dexter moments

there are times God brings someone rare
someone deeply special
into our lives
to connect and weave together
sometimes the threads are woven tightly
sometimes loosely
but the weaving is a forever weaving

there is an instant hearing of the other's heartbeat
with a resonating to the rhythm of their song

Dexter was one of these rare and beautiful gifts

he entered our home a stranger
and before we even sat down
was family

we would talk together
and listen together
with a comfort in each other's silence

he too was a seer

he asked me never to say he lost his battle with cancer
and so I will not even ponder that

on Saturday he simply could no longer resist the call to "come"
he had been hearing his name being whispered for awhile now
it was that whispering that drew him home

I cannot imagine the loss his family feels
the emptiness in that chair around the table

I cannot imagine the loss his church feels
the unsettledness in the losing sight of their shepherd

I know how I feel
I am mixed with a rejoicing that Dexter has been released from his bed of pain
to dance with his Lord
and an angst in the losing of a friend
an awareness of the huge loss to this land
a missing of his laughter
his amazing Newfie sense of humor

the loss of having someone who speaks the same language
someone who never reached for the 911 button
when I shared what I was seeing
or hearing
or feeling

someone whom I hugely respected
but from whom I too felt respected

aaaaaaaaaaah Jesus
heaven is a much richer place now
another son has come home
and I am positive he is dancing to the tune of
well done, good and faithful servant

forever loved
forever missed
forever appreciated