Christ Like Love...

Deception Pass Bridge, Whidbey Island, Washington

My son, Mark died while we were living in Puerto Rico. This post is not about his death. It is about the greatest act of Christian Love that I have ever experienced.

Within weeks of Mark's death, we were granted the privilege of moving to the office of our choice. Actually, we were asked to give three choices. This offer came from the organization of which my then husband was employed. Mark's death was the first traumatic death suffered by a child of a NCIS family who was "positioned" outside of the US. The normal and expected emergency care offered in the US was not available to Mark. I feel this was the only reason that our family was granted this opportunity. For whatever reason, I was very grateful the move was initiated. We chose Whidbey Island, Washington as our first choice for assignment. We felt that this beautiful, peaceful, small community would help our little family heal from Mark's untimely, and completely unexpected death.

Today, I want to give honor to a true Christian family. I don't remember their name. In not remembering is my own neglect and sin.

This is their story.

There were only three Agents assigned to the Naval Station on Whidbey Island. In order for us to move to this beautiful place, another family had to leave. This is exactly what happened. A family was asked to leave their beautiful home and accept an untimely, and unwanted move. Their children were asked to leave their schools and friends in order to accommodate our grieving family. This family could have fought this move and probably could have stayed on Whidbey. But, they didn't. This family moved willingly and without complaint. This supreme act of kindness was offered to a family whom they didn't even know. The only information they had was that we were suffering, grieving, and broken. This family gave us a gift of true compassion. In return, they suffered sacrifice and hardship.

This happened over 30 years ago. At the time, I was overwhelmed with sorrow and grief. But still, this did not warrant my lack of appreciation.

Today, I want to say thank you. I pray that through the Grace of Jesus Christ that someone in this wonderful family will come across this post. To this dear NCIS family, I want to say:

Please know how much I appreciate the hardship that you endured for my family. I am sorry it has taken me so long to acknowledge all that you suffered on behalf of my family. I recognise and acknowledge your gift of true compassion. I want you to know that I surrender to your act of selflessness. I know my words of gratitude are late and far to small compared to the Christ Like Love that you so willing offered us. For too long, I have been neglectful in expressing my deep gratitude. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. Although, I know through your deep Christian faith, you already have. As for me, it is necessary to make this request. I pray with all my heart that you are well and blessed.