Because we loved him.....and always will

Last Sunday we had a dear friend leave us. We are very happy for him although we will miss him so very much.

Unfortunatly he didn't go to a place to which we could hop a plane or take a road trip for a visit. We can't save our money, study travel brochures, contact the local visitors center or PLAN that once in a lifetime trip to go see him. So,although this is an AMAZING opportunity for him.....it pretty much sucks for us.

Because you see....we can't just buy a ticket....and there are no roadmaps to eternal life.

All we can do is invest our lives in a one on one relationship with the one who has gone on to prepare a place for us.

Our friend Frank Starr did just that many many years ago. In doing so he gave up what the "world" had to offer and chose a life where only one thing was certain.....eternity with the one who created him....and others who choose to follow the same path.

In choosing eternity Frank was not guaranteed a life free of pain and suffering....or a calm sea. And from what I know of Frank...our old surfer from Cali....a calm sea would have been just a little too boring for him.

So we who are left behind will mourn. We will shed tears not for Frank....who is free of the shackles that bound him the past couple of years.....but for ourselves. Because in knowing Frank we were all brought closer to our creator....and are better because of this. His departure leaves quite a hole in our hearts.

As for me....the news junkie....I have spent this past week scanning the headlines as I always do. I have watched and waited for the scroll along the bottom of the screen that proclaims Franks passing and have felt as if something was missing when it wasn't there. I guess this will pass with time. Although...in a news world which waits with anticipation for every tidbit of information of the daily goings ons of the likes of Brittney Spears.....there appears to be no justice at this glaring ommision of news that will indeed impact the world...in that ripple affect way of which we so often speak.

Frank left his girl Cindy behind. At his going away party, through the fog of grief, I heard someone say that we would take care of her. Somehow I doubt that....I believe she will be taking care of US for a very long time to come.

And I for one, will never see a Hawiian shirt, a surf board, or a motorcycle with flames painted on the tank without feeling a little bit closer to my heavenly father.

So I dedicate this entry to Frank and Cindy....and to Christie for watching for it. I love you all.