Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow Godly paths will rest in peace when they die. (Isaiah 57:1-2, NLT)
I don’t know how it all went down when PGA Tour players left to join LIV Golf, but I assume they had to write resignation letters. This is my own resignation letter, but it isn’t to a governing body of golf. It is written to my wife.
Dear Susan,
As difficult as it is to accept, I am resigned to the fact I won’t see you again this side of eternity.
Today is a painful reminder that it has been exactly one year since you took your last breath here on earth. It’s hard to believe six years have passed since the first of your sixteen surgeries revealed appendix cancer, and I still lament your lot prior to being taken home on March 18, 2025.
I do take comfort knowing that your absence from the body means you are present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8), but oh, what I wouldn’t give to spend another day with you.
Even with the passage of time, tears still tumble, and my heart still hurts. However, I’m not writing to focus on me and my sorrow; I’m here to honor you, and your life lived so well.
Your smile lit up rooms like lamps on stands (Matthew 5:15), and you had an innate ability to make people feel seen. In a culture obsessed with worldly success and fame, you chose a different path. You touched lives. I think the 700+ people at your funeral would agree.
While listing spiritual gifts people may possess, Paul said, “if it is giving, then give generously” (Romans 12:8). Your gift wasn’t financial; you gave of yourself. And then some. I am continually reminded of this by those who were touched by one of your infinitely thoughtful gestures.
Most importantly, it was your grace through illness that left a lasting impression on those who got to walk that walk with you. None more so than me.
Though you didn’t choose your painful path, you were determined to be “the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15 NIV). How sweet your scent to the Lord!
After your passing, I wrote thank-you letters to the many doctors who had cared for you over the years. You’d be happy to know Dr. McCollum responded, “Simply put, she was one of my favorite patients, and it was an honor to be a part of her medical team. Her grace and courage and attitude and faith were an inspiration.” A fragrant offering indeed (Ephesians 5:2).
You should know your influence continues to this day. People still comment on how powerful a witness your funeral was, and I’m convinced your quote in the program still stirs souls: “I could never regret trusting my life to Jesus, as I do not regret trusting Him with my death.”
In closing, I miss praying for a miracle with you, but I’m grateful you no longer tarry in your temporary tent. Your trust in today’s verses from Isaiah helped me come to terms with your early departure and take solace that God did indeed save you from something worse.
You most definitely walked in Godly paths.
I love you and miss you dearly.
Rest in peace, my love.
Prayer: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.