Why I Miss Him So Much...

I think it's obvious to say that I had an untypical relationship with my father-in-law.  I have so many friends that complain about their in-laws and the problems that they've had with them.  I can't really say that.  Yes, there were typical differences as with any friendship.  For the most part, life with Chuck was easy.  He loved me very much and he took the time to show it.  After I had our first child, everyone would gush over our baby.  As with most mothers, I was invisible and was only seen as the person bringing in the baby.  Chuck always took the time to hug me and say to me, "I'm glad that you're here.  It's good to see you.  And I really mean that."

Not too long ago I came across an email that he sent to me.  It was January 2006.  We had only been in Mexico for a couple of weeks.  My husband had gone on a 2 week trip to minister in some Indian villages.  I was left behind living with a family that we barely knew, in a house that wasn't mine, with 2 kids that had more energy than I knew what to do with, where the people spoke a language that I had yet to learn.  

Here is that email:

Gooooooooooooood morning Mexico!!! Hope all is well in the deepest, darkest, jungles of missionary world. I know that everyday it is thrilling to wake to another day of adventure and opportunity of spreading the gospel, reaching the lost, seeing lives changed, miracles abounding. What is that you say? It's not happening in Val's world. All you see is the miracle of another  meal for the kids, keeping {your little girl} changed, trying to keep {your son} busy, and for Val, just fighting the boredom and monotony of another day. And I know that in saying all this, I am missing many things that must be going through your mind, the mental battles. It is good to hear all the great things that are happening for Derrick, but I can imagine the days get long for you. I don't know if you thought it would be like this. It is my hope and prayer that if you are discouraged in any way that you could in some way be lifted up. We pray for both of you every day. With every report we hear from you, all of us in the church are encouraged. The sacrifices that you endure will in the end be rewarding, even if it seems Abby won't stop crying. And if what I hear is correct, Derrick is coming home Sunday. Are you singing "oh happy day" and making melodies in your heart? I hope so.  Well, got to go. Keep your chin up. Love, Chuck 

In the midst of everything going on in his life...work, church, wife, handicapped daughter...he took the time to think of me and to let me know that he was thinking of me.

And that is why I miss him beyond compare.

They say that time heals all wounds.  I think time can be the enemy.  With every passing day that I live without Chuck, I think of more and more reasons to miss him.  I endure more difficult circumstances that make me long to hear his voice of wisdom or to receive a comforting embrace.  Thankfully this life on earth is over in the blink of an eye and we will have eternity together.