Thank you, Father, for giving us as much time together as we had. Spare me now from further pain or self pity. I accept the fact that I have no right to expect that I can be so highly privileged as to never taste sorrow in my lifetime. This is my time to experience cross, and I do so bravely. I remember with joy and gratitude our wedding day. You made no promise to us then, guaranteeing a fixed number of years together. And I will not think about what we could have had, but only thank you for the years we had together.
I will look now at what I have left, not at what I have lost. I weigh the fruit of our love and marriage in terms of years happily spent and joys that live on in happy memories.
I thank you Father, that our marriage terminated, not in bitter grief, but in sweet sorrow. There was no ignoble scene of angry partings, only the honored call of God who had glorified our marriage with the call of eternity.
"Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord."
My tears are tears of love and gratitude. I thank you that our love for each other is still alive this moment.
I sense that I am surrounded by an invisible presence and power of an indescribable love. It is the comfort of your Holy Spirit. I praise you, my God and my Father, for your goodness and mercy.
I have tasted grief, but I will not have wasted this grief. It shall make me a softer, gentler soul.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
(taken from a collection of prayer by Robert Schuller)
Ruby, You treated me like a son. Never criticized or mocked me. For that, I am grateful. You went through all your trials and tribulations, with a twinkle in your eye. For that I am thankful. You left us with a fight and a gentle sigh. For that, you are now peaceful. Enjoy your next adventure. Your son-in-law, Norman