More deaths on Tinian

This has been a very tough couple of weeks for the people of Tinian. There have been FOUR deaths within a short time...unusual for any community, especially one so small. Two were brought to the hospital earlier in the week--one man was dead when he arrived, and the funeral was Thursday; a few days later, another man died shortly after arriving at the clinic; the next day another man died at home, surrounded by family after a long illness; and a fourth man, we just learned of late last night, died off-island. Everyone is in shock...waiting and wondering if another shoe is going to drop...

Juan (called John) King died in his bed, surrounded by family. It was not unexpected, but was still tough to lose a loved one. They have chosen to sit vigil at their home. They have created a beautiful alter under a covered patio...

Guests can come and pay their respects to Mr. King and his family

Janet King (shown below left) gave me permission to take pictures of this memorial. Terri and I have great admiration for her dedication to her parents--both have been ill for some time, and she was at her father's bedside day and night until his death.

Here are the King's as I am sure they would like to be remembered...together and happy!

Death's after long illnesses are always bring mixed feelings for family members. On the one hand, we are always sad to lose a loved one...on the other hand, we feel relief that their pain and struggle with life is finally over--knowing that they go to a better place.

It was the same with the death of my own mother. She died of leukemia just six months after being first diagnosed. We had all recognized that there was something wrong--she moved slower and always seemed to be in pain. We just thought it was old age. By the time it was discovered, it was too late to do anything, and she deteriorated quickly.

I was living in another state at the time, and was fortunate to be able to get home in time to say goodbye. I will always remember the picture in my mind of her death...my father kneeling by the bed holding her hand, other family members standing around the bed, as my mother took her last breaths of life. It was a powerful experience.

Having experienced something similar to what Janet King has gone through, my heart and my prayers go out to her and her family. She is to be admired and honored for how she has dealt with the illness and death of her father, and I know that she will be blessed for the sacrifices she has made. God is not unaware of her own trials, and I pray that she will recognize and understand that peace will come to her after all this is over---a caring God will send his spirit to comfort her, as she certainly deserves it!