THE CALL...

January 25, 1983 Stephen went to be with the LORD

The call came at 4 a.m.

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
I Thessalonians 4:13

Just four days after my 28th birthday. My husband was still in Spain…and I was alone.

The phone rang awakening me out of my sleep. The early morning hour was very quiet and still. I anticipated some kind of news.

Was Stephen okay?...

Was it my husband calling from Spain…was he alright? He was due home: a delay…the trip extended?

The voice on the other end was a nurse who asked who I was and said a doctor wanted to speak with me. My heart began to beat like a drum as I waited for the doctor to come to the phone.

“Madame…………………..Stephen is dead.”

“Oh..my”

Just like that! News of this sort.. so blunt and so blank?

Once again REALITY set in… not only the news..but the fact that these people could not speak good English and thus…a very blunt to the point .. fact.

He asked if I could come immediately to the hospital. I froze.

“My…husband is not here and I have other small children, I will have to make some arrangements. I’ll…I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

I hung up the phone and dropped to my knees.

“I’m all alone…what am I going to do? “

Stunned…my thoughts were frozen and then I cried out to the LORD.

The one who had sustained me through the past nine months: the one who provided all my needs, answered all my prayers, gave comfort, hope and encouraged me with even his creation; that beautiful white mountain.

I thanked him for his loving kindness and for the soul of Kathryn..saved! I cried with thanksgivings of praise to my God who had performed all things according to his will and according to his good pleasure. I thanked him that my sweet son…

Was with Him.

I cried for help. I needed my LORD. I was afraid …afraid of what I was about to face. I pleaded for the grace to get through this time.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Psalm 121:1-3

While the children continued in quiet sleep. I called long distance to family and friends…to hear familiar voices. I needed prayer and I needed them to know.

I called Kathryn but got no answer.

I called Claudine… she had a house fire during the night. I had no idea.
She expressed her sorrow of the news and not being able to come over to help me.

I told her I would be okay. I’d call Helen.

Helen….no answer. It was 5 a.m. no one was up yet!

I’ll have to wait till at least 7 a.m.

I called the hospital and told them it was impossible for me to be there and that I’d try to be there by 7 or so.

I then went to my room and searched my closet.

What do I wear? Oh, Lord..I don’t even know what to wear?

I changed my clothes a couple of times. The weather was still very cold and I knew I would not be back home for some time. I’d have to pack things for the children…get them up and ready to leave!

I awoke the children and gave them the news. We prayed together and I explained as they already knew. Their little brother was now in heaven.

They could dress themselves and be ready to go.

I let little Charlie remain asleep.

Finally 7 a.m. I tried Helen and she answered…

“Oh dear! Yes, come straight way! I will watch the children for you”

I was also able to reach Kathryn. She would meet me at Helen’s.

I went in to awaken little Charlie and hugged him with tears. I held him tight, as I thought upon his little brother. How thankful I was to have Charlie.
Thankful for the precious children I was blessed to call mine.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born….
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a