I can's sleep. Today I went to a funeral of my high school buddy. We were good buddies in high school and drifted apart as some relationships do through time. When I heard that he passed from brain cancer, my heart hurt. I haven't seen him for 10 years..... Even though I heard that he was fighting brain cancer I only hoped for him from afar and was still just busy with my life. But when I heard that he passed couple of days ago, it struck that I really was good friends with him at one point of my life and I never met his 2 boys. I was not a part of his life for last 15 plus years... This saddened me. And still, it seems like yesterday that I went to the beach with him and goofed around with him. The photo collage they had up at the service brought back so many memories. The pictures also showed me glimpses of his life last 15 year. His beautiful wife and kids. His deterioration of last year. How this disease quickly changed his life.
As I was walking into church I saw some people that I haven't seen for a long time. I walked in and there were many faces that I started to recognize.
It was a wonderful service. Emotional message and I saw many people who were going to miss my friend dearly. Many tears around me. Because I have not kept in touch with him I had no idea that he was a saved Christian. So hearing about his faith I was so relieved and blessed. It might have been the most Gospel centered funeral that I have ever attended.
I haven't seen his family for a long time. As I walked up to see his dad, I saw his sister that I haven't seen for almost 20 years. Last time I saw her she was a sophomore in high school. And now she was a beautiful woman that I almost didn't recognize. His dad saw me smiled and gave me a hug. He told me about my friend's battle with cancer for last year. How hard it has been. I had no words to comfort him. I just listened.
But the biggest encouragement for me is knowing that he is now with the Lord. That was the message. How we were designed to die. Sooner or later we will all cross that point of life and death. Time goes by quick. I cant believe how quick. But one day when I cross that point, I will see him again. Perfectly worshiping His glory.
Darrel Herrin. I will see you again my friend. Wish you were still here, but I am glad that you are not suffering where you are. I can't even imagine what you and your family were going through physically and psychologically. I am sorry that it took this long and for you to leave for me to miss you. But never the less, I miss you bud. I look forward to one fine day when we worship the Lord perfectly together.