When Heaven Beckons a Friend Home

A Message From a Beloved Friend

A dear, dear friend of mine - one I've journeyed with for over thirthy-five years, recently sent me a message that brought both tears and peace to my heart. She wrote:

“Since I wrote you nearly two weeks ago, much has transpired. My friend Patty drove up from VA and found me very ill. Three days later, I ended up in the hospital very sick with pneumonia, my kidney (I only have one) was failing, and I was on the verge of sepsis—perhaps hours away from death.

I ended up needing a kidney procedure to heal the kidney, bags full of very strong antibiotics, and bags full of hydration (I was severely dehydrated). I also learned how extensively the cancer has spread. It became clear that I will no longer be able to take care of myself alone.

After ten days, I came home to my sister’s house yesterday where I will remain indefinitely. She has been an amazing care provider. She and my best friend Patty of 40 years are my health POA advocates. Without them, I probably would not be here today.

I’m writing because it also became clear I will not be able to return to our precious meetings. I’m still battling the nasty cough, laryngitis, and daily nausea. I learned these are likely cancer related.

I had decided months ago that I would never do extreme or heroic measures to extend my life. I will do some things, like the kidney procedure, to maintain comfort and quality of life. The procedure made a huge improvement in my health! So basically, I am doing palliative measures from here on out. I have signed a DNR and feel fully at peace.

I believe it won’t be too long before I see Jesus—months or a year, I don’t know. But I’m so ready. I feel His Presence moment by moment. He has given me strength, courage, joy, peace.

Feel free to reach out when you want to know how I’m doing. I’ll be praying for each of you often. When my time comes, the details of my services will be sent to all of you from Patty.

I will miss you, beloved friends. While you may have learned from me, I’m a better person because of knowing each of you. My heart is filled deeply with love for you.

God bless you until we meet again in the Presence of our beloved Savior. I’ll be there to welcome you as part of your cloud of witnesses.

Remember: love always, forgive often. These are hallmarks of Jesus in you, the hope of glory.”

Grieving and Rejoicing

When I read those words, I knew the day I had quietly anticipated was drawing near.

In my flesh, I grieve the loss—because there’s such comfort in simply knowing she’s still here. But my spirit rejoices. Denise is about to continue her life in the most intimate place of all—her head resting on the heart of God.

What she knew in part, she will soon know in fullness.

What she tasted in glimpses, she will experience every moment—without pain, without limitation—only glory. I can hear Father saying: "Well done, Denise, My beloved daughter."

The Gift of Friendship

For all she has sown into my life, I say thank you. With all my heart.

I release her into the arms of our Lord and pray her transition will be as sweet and tender as her heart has always been.

Denise and I met through a ministry program in the early ’90s, and she became both my counselor and my friend—so dear that our friendship eventually outgrew the counseling room. We’ve shared years of laughter, tears, prayer, and growth. She has walked beside me through deep waters and celebrated mountaintop moments too.

This is only the second time in my life I’ve lost a friendship that ran so deep in the Lord—one that feels like losing a part of my own story.

And though I know Heaven is real and near, death still has a sting for those of us who remain.

Love that Outlasts Life

But oh, what a way to transition! True to who she is, Denise is wrapping things up beautifully—gracefully—leaving no loose ends. Not out of obligation, but out of love.

Even in her pain, she’s still thinking of others. Still loving. Still pointing everyone to Jesus. That is her legacy.

I see the angels already preparing her escort home, Heaven leaning close.

My loss is Heaven’s gain.

And for anyone walking through the slow goodbye of a loved one in Christ, may you find comfort in this: we never truly lose those who are hidden in Jesus!

Their voices become part of the great cloud of witnesses cheering us onward.

Their love doesn’t vanish—it expands.

So we grieve, yes—but with hope.

Because one day, we too will join that eternal reunion where love never ends.

Until then, I will remember Denise’s final words:

"Love always. Forgive often.

These are the hallmarks of Jesus in you—the hope of glory."