We got news early this morning that Eddy passed away during the night last night.  We are so glad that he is no longer suffering, as suffering was more evident than ever this past week. Suffering is not only difficult for the bearer, those who are supporting the sufferer and can't find a way to lessen the pain suffer too.

Of course we are also deeply sad that we will not have more time on this earth with Eduardo- at the beginning of this journey we had hoped there might be a way to have more time together. It's easy to take time for granted when you don't know it will be cut short.

At times in our Christian tradition we are encouraged to rejoice that our loved ones have gone back to their "true home" to be with their heavenly Father.  Although we do not grieve like those who have no hope, missing a person who has been loved dearly and learning to live life without their physical presence is not a joyful and easy task, and that is due to the way God made us. We are made to love and be loved- we're wired for it- and there's no shame at all in being deeply sad when someone we love can no longer be next to us. The picture  included is a quote from a book I found after my own brother died years ago- Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff, and it's still the best book on grief I've ever found.

We are so grateful for the friends and family who have come alongside Eddy and Blanca in Monterrey, and those who have come alongside us here. There have been friends who never had the privilege of meeting or knowing Eduardo who have drawn just as near in prayer and support as those who have been close to him for a long time. This outpouring of love carried him and Blanca during these past months of trials, and it can't be said how deeply moved and grateful we are. 

To those who helped financially, please know those funds have paid all medical expenses, including the woman who was hired in this past week to sit vigil so Blanca could get some rest. The remaining funds will likely stretch to cover the cost of internment. Blanca has secured a place in a cemetery near where her own parents are buried, sharing a plot with the place where she will be buried one day. She does not wish to have a traditional funeral at this time (covid restrictions are still at play in their city) but may plan a memorial in her church when the time feels right.

Please continue to pray for Blanca as she will now live alone in the home she shared with her son, and being there without his presence will be difficult to be sure.