True Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NLT

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!

I witnessed an act of true love last night. A truly unselfish love. A love that released. My first time to witness this type of love.

At 10 pm the lady across the street franticly rang the doorbell and banged on the door. My husband hurried across with her, while I slipped my shoes on. When I walked in, Eldon was taking the vital signs of her husband who was barely conscious.

Lisa showed Eldon her husband’s living will which very clearly stated not to call 911 and not to resuscitate. He has been terminally ill with COPD for many months. I grieved and mumbled prayers under my breath seeking guidance. After her husband passed away, Eldon asked Lisa, “What do you want me to do? Shall I start CPR?” She said sure to try to keep what little if any life still in him. Just trying to keep that little glimmer of hope of what she dreaded would not come to pass.

Eldon started CPR. Meanwhile, I called her priest to come and notified the authorities. Eldon tired -- yet he couldn’t stop (once you start CPR you must not stop until someone can relieve you). I retrieved another neighbor whom I knew would know CPR. They both worked on him until the police and EMS arrived.

EMS determined Lisa’s husband had no pulse and was not breathing. They asked her what they wanted her to do. His documents clearly stated that he preferred to die at home. She inhaled and exhaled then unselfishly stated to let him go.

She let her true love of 51 years go into his eternity last night.

While I sat with Lisa waiting with her for the coroners to arrive, she shared with me many wonderful memories she has of her life with her husband.

Please pray for Lisa.

Two of her eight adult children have arrived this morning. The others will arrive tomorrow.

Lisa, in just a matter of moments, has gone from wife to widow. Pray that as ambassadors of Christ in our neighborhood that we’ll show her His love. (James 1:27)

Lisa has not been involved in the community or church the two years she has lived here due to her husband’s illness and her devotion to tending to his needs. The neighborhood is rallying around her during this time.

I pray that all of us shall cherish our loved ones today and everyday as our lives are but a vapor. (James 4:14)

Blessings in Christ--