He's Gone To A Better Place

This morning started out much as every morning in Africa--the drums and chanting, the smiling faces on the little schools kids as they smile and laugh at the weird-looking obrunis, as we take our morning walk.  The air conditioning was still out and a guy was here trying to fix it (with used parts) and finally, the weed-wackers showed up to do the lawn.  They don't mow; they just take machetes and whack the lawn (thick, thick grass).  It's amazing to watch the strength it takes.

For no reason, Gary came in and said, "I need to call Rod right now."  We went in and booted up the computer as that's the only way we have of calling until the "international barring" is lifted off Elder Thayne's cell phone.  On the second call, Gary was able to reach Rod's room.  Nadia answered and put the phone to his ear.  Gary told him how much he loved him and that he was the best big brother ever.  We knew he could hear us because he would grunt and make noises.  Nadia said he understood and knew that it was Gary and that Rod had just been waiting for Gary to call.  We said goodbye, hung up and cried.  A very short time later Brittany emailed that he had passed.  It was like Gary knew he had to call Rod right then and just a few minutes later, he was gone.

We sat down and cried together.  It was so sad watching the anguish and the pain at losing an adored big brother.  Then we began reminiscing and then we laughed and cried some more.  We feel so isolated and lonely at times and so very far away.  Gary then called His Mother--she is remarkable--nothing short of amazing.  I cannot imagine the hurt it must be to lose a child--and Rod will always be her little boy.  We then called more of the family.  We were torn between whether to leave and fly home for the funeral, but after talking with Berniel and his sisters, Gary has decided that Rod is in a far better place, and that knowing his strong personality, it would have been awful to have him suffer one moment longer.  We will stay in Africa and continue to do our work here and Gary sat right down and wrote a letter to his big brother, telling how much he meant to him and how much he loved him.  We will send that letter and know that everyone understands. We know there was a great reunion in heaven as Rod is once more with so many loved ones: his Dad, Uncle Stan and Aunt JoAnn, grandparents, and so many more.  Now, instead of sitting at the dining room table and making us laugh like he did just six short weeks ago, he'll be making all of them laugh.  We will miss him.