By Randi Spearman
This is a love story in memory of my grandparents, Ron & Pat Franzen.
On the 3rd day of June, 1938, a baby boy was born in Cozad, NE. He was much loved and adored. As he looked into his mother’s eyes, he saw the love of his life. The most important lady in his small world.
Little did he know that on that same day, there was a baby girl born in Rockford, IL, who would also become the love of his life – his soul mate for life!
When they met, it was love at first sight. It was meant to be. Their relationship was founded in Jesus Christ. They knew that the most important thing for their family would be to serve the Lord. They knew the significance of the verse, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Together they created 4 beautiful girls who each stole a piece of his heart. Now he has 6 true loves in his life.
As the girls grew up and had families of their own, this boy and this girl were able to go on many adventures together. Traveling the world – by each others side – living life to the fullest – creating memories to last their lifetime.
Then one day, the Lord allowed a trial to test their faith. One after the other, the doctor said, “It is cancer.”
Together, they stood by faith – trusting that the Lord is their Healer! The Lord is Mighty! The Lord is able! And together, they beat it and had a new zeal for life.
But a few years down the road, they received bad news again. “The cancer is back.” This time the boy had to stay strong for his love because it was taking over her body. He stayed by her side until he received the news that his cancer had returned as well and he had to go to the hospital.
As he lay in his hospital bed, all he could think about was getting home to his one true love to help get her better.
But God had a different plan. He wanted to heal her completely and He took her home, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
All he could think about was being with his love again. He ached to hold her in his arms again. To look into her eyes. As the family gathered around, all he saw was the memory of her beautiful loving face. The pain was too much to bear. He was ready to be with her again. And exactly 4 weeks later, on the Tuesday before Christmas, God took him home.
And as he entered the gates of heaven, there she stood, as beautiful as ever, looking like she did when they first met. And as he held her in his arms, they danced on streets of gold. And they will dance and celebrate for all eternity together.
My grandpa and grandma are such a beautiful picture of what every husband and wife who are so in love with the Lord and each other would desire… to be HOME together again… but this time forever. Only having to be separated for such a short time. Our Lord’s perfect timing and Mercy wrapped up in the hands and heart of the One who gives life and brings life home. These very dates were ordained by Him down to the very minute from before time began. That’s pretty incredible.
They were truly favored by the Lord. And now they are with Him to continue their perfect love story with the One who loved them first and showed them what love truly was.
What a lovely tribute to your grandparents. The love you describe was visable every time you were around Pat and Ron. Both were lovely, gentle, soft spoken and wonderful people. How blessed we all were to know them.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts.