September 3, 2014
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No truer words were ever spoken.
As we drove south out of Ouray, Colorado heading home a few days ago, I must admit I was desperately sad to be leaving this place I've come to love over the years. The beauty and the sheer "Heavenliness" of it.
And as I watched it disappear out my rearview mirror, I found myself pulling my head out of the sand that I have been hiding it in for awhile now.
The truth is, this trip was hard on Chuck. Very hard. There....I said it. I've been putting off typing those words on the screen for 30 minutes now. And I've been putting off pulling my head out of that proverbial sand for longer than that. He never once complained, but it showed on his face.....it showed in his legs....and it more than broke my heart to see him struggling so.
This man I fell in love with 20 years ago....who battles daily and hourly with Multiple Sclerosis......and who is now battling Congestive Heart Failure and recently an Aortic Aneurysm we found out he has days before leaving for Colorado, stands tall despite a failing body....smiles at everyone he meets......and rode in a tight Jeep to and from Colorado for 36 hours because he loves me......because he knew how desperately I wanted to see Colorado again....BECAUSE HE'S A GOOD GUY.
Home
"My Home is in Heaven; I'm just traveling through this world."
Billy Graham
No truer words were ever spoken.
As we drove south out of Ouray, Colorado heading home a few days ago, I must admit I was desperately sad to be leaving this place I've come to love over the years. The beauty and the sheer "Heavenliness" of it.
And as I watched it disappear out my rearview mirror, I found myself pulling my head out of the sand that I have been hiding it in for awhile now.
The truth is, this trip was hard on Chuck. Very hard. There....I said it. I've been putting off typing those words on the screen for 30 minutes now. And I've been putting off pulling my head out of that proverbial sand for longer than that. He never once complained, but it showed on his face.....it showed in his legs....and it more than broke my heart to see him struggling so.
This man I fell in love with 20 years ago....who battles daily and hourly with Multiple Sclerosis......and who is now battling Congestive Heart Failure and recently an Aortic Aneurysm we found out he has days before leaving for Colorado, stands tall despite a failing body....smiles at everyone he meets......and rode in a tight Jeep to and from Colorado for 36 hours because he loves me......because he knew how desperately I wanted to see Colorado again....BECAUSE HE'S A GOOD GUY.
"Grow STRONG in your WEAKNESS.
Some of My children I've gifted with abundant strength and stamina.
Others, like you, have received the humble gift of frailty.
Your fragility is not a punishment, nor does it indicate lack of faith.
On the contrary, weak ones like you must live by faith, depending on Me
to get you through the day.
I am developing your ability to trust Me, to lean on Me,
rather than on your understanding.
This is how you grow STRONG in your WEAKNESS.
(Jesus Calling, August 31)
To see our last 1-minute trailer of leaving Ouray, click here:
http://youtu.be/wZw5z583lH4?list=UUlzBpeuych3t_TKfemOtHgQ
To see our last 1-minute trailer of leaving Ouray, click here:
http://youtu.be/wZw5z583lH4?list=UUlzBpeuych3t_TKfemOtHgQ
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18 comments:
I find only one other place on this earth as satisfying to my soul as Ouray and the San Juan Mountains.
Liz, this last post really made me cry! I have never met a person like Chuck or yourself...you guys are something else...you both bring the best in people ...now it is my turn to cheat you up: remember what my diagnosis was upon reading chucks last medical records?
((((((Hugs))))))
That was beautiful dear one, I am sorry Chuck is having such a rough time. My heart goes out to you both and I pray for you daily and will continue to do so. I am glad to see you back and in Bible study today, if I can be of any help please don't hesitate to call me. Blessings to you both.
Love Ya,
John
Liz. I feel your deep sadness for Chuck. I don't know the right words to match the depth of what must feel like the darkest...deepest pit yet. I love you BOTH SO MUCH. Believe that all things are working for the good....some how some way. Heaven is real and not that far away. I believe we'll all be out of this life soon. I'm praying for you and for all of us to feel God's love and protection in the coming days.
I love you. Sending you my heart.
xoxoxo ♡♥♡♥♡♥
Kathy
This makes me sad. I know Chuck's physical problems are just getting worse, but I hate to see it. But you're right…he's a good guy and he has a good attitude and he loves you a lot. I pray for you guys. You mean a lot to me, even though we don't see each other.
Chris Schechner
Wow, Liz. I'm speechless. Just know I will be lifting you both up in prayer. I hope you know that your burden is shared in some small way. If there is anything I can do please call. Let's get together soon! I love you! Pam
I am so sorry about Chuck, and yes, he loves you to go through what he is going through. I know Colorado is a bit of heaven, but there's something more that Colorado, there is a real heaven waiting for all of us. Tonight I couldn't sleep, it's 1:23 A.M (Thursday) and I thought about checking my e-mail.....Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of your commandments, For I delight in it.
Israel
Liz,
I have really enjoyed your blogs this trip to Colorado. It breaks my heart to see you write what you wrote today about Chuck. You both are so kind and loving and awesome people. I have a friend in Florida that I visit as often as I can when I go back to visit my Mom. She also has MS, that disease is horrible in what it puts their bodies through, but I see the same traits in Chuck as I see in her. They are stoic! Please let me know if there is ever anything I can do for either one of you.
P.S. The first one broke my heart, learning of Murphy's COPD.
I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes looking at your Home blog. So
beautifully done by a beautiful person. Troy & I feel so fortunate that we have
you and Chuck in our lives. How blessed the Lord has been to us to do this.
Chuck's love for you is one of the greatest things I have ever seen. Plus his
love for everybody. You two are such a blessing. Thank you for loving us and
being our BFF's.
We love you.
Troy & Becky
Oh Liz and Chuck it was so good to see you guys on the trip that you so desired for your lives. Blessings upon you both on this journey.
Do not ever forget that we are here to comfort, cry and care for y'all regardless of the twists and turns. Just as you would want to know how to pray for others and comfort them we want to do the same for you both. Hugs and prayers. We love you guys!!!!
Grace and peace,
Jack
I'm suprised and sorry that you guys had to come back so soon - after reading your blog I understand why. "With His stripes we were healed" God bless Chuck.
Liz,
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for sharing your trip to Colorado. You make us even more excited about our October trip to Aspen. I also wanted to say that I am sad that the trip has been a bit difficult for Chuck, and I appreciate how much he loves you to want to share this time with you, putting aside his physical problems. It also shows what an amazing person he is and makes me even sadder that I have never gotten the opportunity to meet him. What I can't believe is that you guys have been together 20 YEARS!!!!!!! How is that possible? Boy, time sure has gotten away from me:( We love you and please send our love to Chuck and we will keep you both in our thoughts and prayers.
Margie
This reminds me of the song we use to sing at DJA for worship, do you remember it ? ...... This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through, if Heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do. The Angels beckon me from Heaven's open door, and I can't feel at home in this world anymore..... I use to love that song, hadn't thought about it in a long time. We use to jazz it up a little bit and make the teachers annoyed at us, especially Mrs. Ludders ! Love your blogs and pics.
Love ya, Denise
Oh, Liz, bless you.
I had wondered about Chuck.....I didn't know about the other challenges in addition to MS. What a trooper he is! Liz, I hear in your voice that you've moved from one season to another. But there will be treasures there too. And many friends. I love you dear friend.
This blog really spoke to me. Thank you for being transparent, honest... And...for the quote from Jesus Calling...
You are indeed special...
Kitty
Liz,
You inspire me. I'm in awe of you...all that you are...for all that you are
experiencing. I don't have the words to express how much I admire you for
staying as present as you are for your husband. My life is so busy right now
trying to raise my daughter and started working again but your blog is so
inspiring to me. Though I don't keep up with it as much as I would like to, know
that I feel God when I read your words.
With love,
Marlene
Hugs to u guys from Tom & I. Ur blog made us cry - looking forward to being with y'all on Sunday.
Liz, My grandmother's favorite song as " This World is not My Home"! This reminds me of that. Be glad when Bible starts again----sure hope you're among the flock this year. I miss you! MJ
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