A Hero Went Home

I’ve struggled to write this. Life forever changed earlier this month in so many ways. And I will never be the same. Only time will tell if that’s a good thing or not.

December 8, 2024. A day I never want to relive. The day one of my personal heroes went Home.
It’s not everyday that you meet an ordinary hero … it’s much rarer to be loved by a hero. But that has been my honor and privilege to have been loved by one such hero.

Buster.

A son & brother. A husband, father, & grandfather. Teacher. Coach. Colonel & commander. Master Craftsman. An at-home missionary. A man who loved Jesus and others!

In three short years, I watched/experienced the healing transformation of the Lord’s grace through Buster … who became known as “Papa” as time went on. Honestly, I wanted more time. I needed more time, but I am forever thankful for the time the Lord gave me with him.

Many of our conversations were had as we did life. Burning limbs & boxes. Riding the side-by-side to go take pictures on the property. During commercial breaks as we’d watch a movie or two. And let’s not forget about shooting mistletoe out of the tree … I should add that Papa was a brave soul to let me shoot his rifle that day!!!! What seemed like just fun adventures and memories being made were, in fact, when some of the deepest healing took place in my life as I discovered what being safe felt like … and being somewhere that felt like home.

Although he wasn’t my earthly father, he claimed me as his. God breathed life into me through Buster’s (& Nina’s) life. He prayed for me. He prayed over me … whether it was before doctor appointments, before I took a trip away from home, when I mentally broke in May 2023, or just in day-to-day living, his fatherly presence radiated peace and a quiet trust in the God who held his family. He protected me & defended me. I began discovering a new courage to do new things because of Buster. Situations that felt intimidating (solo trips, for example) weren’t so scary once I had those conversations about personal safety and making wise decisions. I was loved in a way I’d never known before. And I am forever thankful! To my Papa and to our God.

2024 isn’t want we wanted. It wasn’t what I wanted. But that Saturday in February after we found out the cancer returned, I asked: “Papa, are you mad at God? Because God can heal you, and it seems like He has said ‘no.’” With a faith securely anchored in who God is, he said without hesitation, “No.” And then he reminded me that no matter the outcome that God can and will use these circumstances … that as long as He [God] is glorified then everything will be okay. As he endured treatments, surgery, and even into his final days, Papa remained faithful … and pointed our hearts … pointed my heart to the Lord Jesus. And I am thankful because even in this season of raw, unfiltered grief, there’s an Anchor who is far greater than the ordinary hero who loved me so much.

I miss everything.

Our bantering back & forth. Our antics & stupid jokes, the safety of his presence. His hugs. Listening to him pray. Him giving me “the look” as he’d say my name as only he could. It feels as if we’ve lost so much. That this world has lost so much!

But … the truth is, we haven’t lost him. We know right where he’s at. Papa’s in heaven … and in typical Buster fashion, he led the way Home … on the eve of December 8th.
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The night A HERO WENT HOME.