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From the time Jeff was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2004 until he passed away in 2006, we prayed everyday for God's healing for him. I believed with my whole heart that God could and would heal Jeff. On September 30, 2006, it became evident to me that God's plan would not be to heal my brother, but he would instead reward his perseverance. Some could choose to question God and the reasons He gives and takes away. I am sure we all have at some point in time. We can only see a part of God's plan. Jeff once wrote that his most earnest prayers were for his family. If it was not in God's plan to heal him, he knew God would sustain him until He was ready to take him home. He also knew that while taking him at age 35 would seem too soon, especially with a young family, that God's plan had not only Jeff's best interests at heart, but also those of his family. I have learned a lot from the experiences of the last few years. I know that when it comes down to it, this life is about preparing for the next. For that reason, we chose to celebrate on September 30, 2007. Although we miss Jeff and we always will, we can rejoice in knowing where he is today. He fought the good fight and he finished the race. He won.
Our family and a few close friends spent September 30, 2007 by going out for lunch together to a place we all used to go as a family. Gwen purchased a cake that said "Happy Birthday Jeff" on it, signifying the fact that he has a new life in Heaven. I know that my brother would feel better knowing that his family can still be happy for him despite how much we miss him. From the restaurant, we all went over to the cemetery. This was the first time that I had personally been there. It had been too hard for me. His headstone is beautiful and is so suited for Jeff. There is a verse inscribed on it that reads: " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8. We planted some flowers and shared stories. The weather was sunny and the whole day went better than any of us could have hoped.
As I said, we all miss my brother everyday. No one would say otherwise. But I am so thankful that the faith he had sustained him until the very end. He ran his race and on September 30, 2006, he passed the baton. Now it is our turn to run.