There I sat, in the very place it happened. The room where my husband was ushered into eternity. The snacks I had packed for him that very week were still sitting on his desk. My plan was to come and decorate his office after the fresh paint was applied that week. His suit jacket hung on the back of his chair where he would sit and text me throughout the day. I remembered telling him how handsome he looked in his suit earlier the morning it all happened. His calendar was set on the desk with each day crossed off but that day in September. On the desk was his favorite pen, the pen he used daily to passionately and effectively accomplish what he felt his calling was at the Agency. I saw his beautiful handwriting on notes and papers everywhere. Everything was in impeccable order and his organizational skills were displayed throughout, which was such an attractive characteristic I found in my Patrick. This very office where my husband was alive and thriving a month ago saw my precious husband take his last breath.
I anticipated many tears, great emotion, and sadness, but instead, all I could think about was how amazing it would have been to observe what occurred in that office that day. To see the host of angels surrounding my dear husband and to watch him leave his earthly body behind and his spirit enter the presence of the Lord. Oh, that room would never be the same. If walls had souls, they would have been forever changed by the eternal view witnessed. The Spirit flooded that room on that rainy morning and took my precious beloved home forever. What a sight, what a treasure, what a gift to be home with Jesus!
As I sat in his chair, wishing I was sitting on the lap of the man who had stolen my heart, I looked down to the place where he was found, reliving it all in my mind……again. Missing everything about him, how handsome he looked, how he smelled, his kind voice, his cute wit and laughter, his strong tender embrace, feeling his sweet kisses, and missing the part of my heart that died with him on September 29th, 2015. I thanked the Lord for the gift of perspective, for the promise of eternity, and for the treasure of knowing this amazing man of God in the closest human relationship possible. I was given an extraordinary gift! Realizing this place was where my sweet husband left his earthly body and began to really live, forever in the presence of our Savior.
Patrick left his earthly body that day in that office, but his spirit is more alive than ever. Eternal life is real, Jesus is alive. Visiting Patrick’s empty office and viewing things from his empty chair offered a glimpse of eternity that I will never forget.
Comments 15
I always look forward to reading your posts. They bring such encouragement to my heart and challenge to my walk with Jesus. I am praying for you and your three boys, friend!
Author
Thank you so much for that encouragement Logan! Grateful for your faithful prayers!
Brittany, your perspective and strength amaze me – how I know your sweet Patrick is so very proud of you and both your testimonies of Jesus. May God continue to be with you and lift you up.
Author
Thank you so much Marie!
Oh sweet Brittany i sit here and cry as i cant imagine your pain but every single day i think of you and it reminds me that i need to have an eternal mindset and not to worry about the woes of this world! Love you so much sweet friend! While we should be an encouragement to tou during this time you glow and are such an encouragement to so many people all over the world! How proud Patrick must be!
Author
Thank you so much for your encouragement, faithful prayers and friendship! So grateful for you!
Brittany,
The way you profess your faith so proudly and beautifully leaves me in such awe of your relationship with the Lord. And of course your strength through all of this is only explained by 2 Cor 12:9. After getting to know parts of you through your story, you truly are my hero. Thank you for showing me the potential of what my relationship with the Lord can be! Keep writing because God is SO working through you:)
Author
Carolyn, Thank you so much for taking the time to write and encourage me! Grateful for you!
See that trophy on the cabinet? Does it say “Best Husband on Earth”?? It should. What a sweet tribute for you to write friend.
Author
I agree! He was the best! love you friend!
Brittany, i set here and read your post and see your Facebook post and cry of sadness for you and your boys. But I also know how proud Patrick is of you. How blessed you and your boys are to have each other. To have the memories that you all have . Even though they were short. They are some great memories. I love reading your thought. You are so amazing.
Author
Thank you so much sweet friend! Grateful for you!
I can’t remember exactly how I came across your story, aside from somewhere on Instagram. I have prayed many prayers for you and your boys and have been so encouraged in my faith by watching you mourn and live. Your story is one I will never forget and Patricks legacy is being praised all the way here in Japan.
Author
Thank you so much Monica! We are so grateful for your encouragement and prayers!
If you were there witnessing Jesus take your husband up to Heaven, you would have missed your own marriage ceremony to Jesus occurring at the same time that day as well.