That Hope

My parents met them in the mid '70s in an apartment complex in Waynesboro, Va.   My parents knew their eldest child as a baby and as time progressed, eventually all of us grew to know each other. 

First off, we were part of a Southern Baptist Church and then grew up in a Reformed Baptist Church.

My parents and this couple were great friends.

Their daughter and I were at one point very very close.

I remember sleepovers at their home; I remember getting punished by them, because that is what "second parents" do when you disobey.

Then........Circumstances arose, and to my dismay, we lost touch for about TEN+ years.


 But, in God's perfect timing, He found it pleasing to reunite our friendships with this couple.  We visit when we can; enjoying each others company.


and then, those phone calls.  I keep thinking I'm living a dream.(only to wonder what their children are feeling).



John passed away in February of 2016
Joan passed away, recently.....the day after Thanksgiving. November 2016.


yes, they both had their own set of health issues; but still, it's hard to grasp and it wasn't expected.


But, we grieve with hope; That we will see each other once again in Heaven.


.....and, I pray for all three of John and Joan's children---my friends-- who don't know Christ, who needs to Know HIM and LOVE HIM.  Because without Him, there is NO Hope.