Time for us to say goodbye...

Jim Ehrlich passed away earlier today -- December 7th 2008, at 12:12 PM.

He died peacefully with his wife Chris at his bed side. Jim's brother in-law Woody Anderson was also there, but he had just left the room and it was just Jim and Chris. It's as if Jim was waiting for the right moment to leave. A private goodbye in the few last minutes with her.

Below is a picture of Chris holding Jim's hand from earlier this morning (around 8 AM):




Although I report his passing with great sadness, we can rejoice knowing that Jim will no longer feel any pain, despair, or sadness. Jim is truly in a much better place. A place where there is no suffering, only love, and where he can be with Jesus. Something he was looking forward to.

Psalm 23 is particularly relevant as we are faced with this loss, but we know God will comfort us and that Jim is in eternal peace with his Heavenly Father.

Psalm 23 (NIV):

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

⁴ Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, ^[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

To Jim -- I love you very much, I learned so much from you, in such a short period of time. Although I will miss you greatly here on Earth, I know that it's not goodbye forever and that we will see each other again someday.

Your friend and brother in Christ,

Stephen