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There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother...
Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

Yes, my husband “was” my best friend!

Together, we shared hopes for the future, dreams that never came true, goals that were never achieved, and the many disappointments life sent our way. However, we also shared many very wonderful experiences together. When they happened, he was always the first person I wanted to tell, because I knew he would share in my excitement.

When I was sad, he was always there to cheer me up. I knew his shoulder was there to cry on, and he gave the best hugs in the world! He made me feel very special and beautiful, and every morning he would tell me I was his “angel”. I knew he truly loved me and cared about me.

I could tell him things that I’ve never shared with another soul. He absorbed everything I said, and actually wanted to hear more. Many times there was no need for continuous conversation, I was quite content in just having him nearby. He also seemed to know what I was thinking, even without asking me!

Things that never interested me before became fascinating because I knew they were important to him, and he was so special to me.

Nearly fifty years ago, I opened my heart to him and experienced a love and friendship I never dreamed was possible.

My husband was my best friend and much more … until his last breath.

Life is completely different now without my husband as my best friend! Simple things still bring him to my mind every day. Even though time keeps moving on, I miss him more than ever, and oh, how I would like to be able to talk with him and hear his voice again, or just sit in his presence! I know there will never be another person on this earth who will be the friend to me that my husband was. In spite of all these “feelings”, I know God’s plan was to take my husband home, and I am very thankful for every day I was able to spend with him.

As a child, I opened my heart to Jesus as my Savior. As I continue this journey of widowhood, my love for Him keeps growing and I am becoming more dependent on Him each day.

I am beginning to realize He is a friend who is even more significant in my life than my husband was.

As I look over the things my husband and I enjoyed as friends, I find that Jesus is there to fulfill all of those things, plus more!

Look at just a few examples with me:

He has plans for my future – Jeremiah 29:11

I am the apple of His eye – Psalm 17:8

He gives me peace of mind – John 16:33

He loves me and is holding my right hand – Psalm 73:23

He knows when I am upset and collects my tears in a bottle – Psalm 56:8

He supplies all my needs – Philippians 4:19

He will listen to me and will answer me– I John 5:14-15

He takes me in His arms – Mark 10:16

He strengthens me – Philippians 4:13

Oh, What A Friend We Have In Jesus! But, how much peace do we forfeit and how much needless pain do we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer! (from the hymn by Joseph Scriven, What a Friend We Have in Jesus)

Lord, You know how much I miss my husband and the friendship we had together. Let me never forget the friendship and peace I can have when I bring everything to You. Thank You for being the best Friend I could ever want! Amen