We got the news today that our former next door neighbor of 15 years, died immediately of a heart attack on Tuesday while biking. He was only 45 years old, and leaves a wife and 3 kids (ages 19, 15, & 13). Pat was a terrific neighbor, good friend, and a wonderful husband and father.
That leads to the question - why? Why does God allow death in people who are happy in life, secure in their obedience, and good examples of humankind? Surely You must really need his help for you to take him from here.
So, Pat, I'm sorry that I never told you how much we appreciated your being there for Amy when she came home from school in 1997 to find out I was in the hospital; and thanks for being such a kind neighbor to help fix the fuse on our air conditioner more than once, so we wouldn't roast; and thanks for driving me down to Lindsay/Broadway when Allison had her car accident and no one else was home. But, most of all, thanks for being the person you were to your family. Your love for your wife and kids was obvious - and they loved you too.
God be with you 'til we meet again.