Tribute to Norm

Yesterday Norm was welcomed into the arms of Jesus. His year long battle with cancer came to an end. I only knew Norm for a short time but he has enriched my life. Norm is the brother of Maggie Putnam who taught preschool in our district. Before I got cancer, I did not know Maggie. She emailed me and asked if I could send my picture to her so she could put it up in her classroom. Maggie started her students praying faithfully for me. She sent cards to me with the names and fingerprints of each student on them. I can not begin to tell you how the prayers of these little children gave me encouragement and strength. At the end of the year I was able to go to her school and meet those sweet children and thank them for their prayers. When Maggie's brother was diagnosed with cancer this year I decided to have my Bible and Health classes write him letters of encouragement that contained verses for him to ponder. This is his reply to me about those letters.
"I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to read the inspiration these letters give me each day. I truly cherish reading them. I have taken a blue highlighter and marked all the verses in my Bible that they have given me. I am so touched by the knowledge that they are praying for Virginia and me. Thank them again for me. The Lord has given me to special verses-Verses I have known since I was a child but now have the meaning that they were intended for--This is the day the Lord hath made rejoice and be glad in it, and Yea,though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou aren't with me, thy rod and thy staff comfort me. I have always been one who worried about everything and really didn't enjoy what the Lord gave me each day. Thanks to our Lord he has changed that and has given me this unique opportunity to draw closer and closer to him day by day. Jesus is truly wonderful! Spiritually, this has to be the most exciting time of my life. The Lord has allowed me to draw so close to him. The verses he has really given me to hold to are the first three verses of Psalms 71. What a wonderful God we have-what great Love. Jesus is wonderful !
Thank all your wonderful students for their sustaining prayers. Please tell them that I can feel the strength of those prayers, and the Lord is with me. "
To God be the Glory,
Norm

Maggie gave me the gift of preschoolers who faithfully prayed for me during my battle with cancer. I in turn tried to give the gift back as I had my students faithfully pray for Norm this entire year. Each time I spoke with Norm on the phone I was so encouraged by his steadfast love and devotion to God even in the midst of great suffering. It was a privilege to go to his home to meet he and his wife Virginia in person. His body was wasting away but his spirit was being renewed day by day. Through his suffering, he gained a relationship with God that could have only been forged through fire.

As I reflected on the news of Norm's homecoming, I pondered the question, "Why me?" Why did Norm die and I didn't? I know I will not have the answer this side of eternity. Because God has left me here, I want to make a difference in every person's life that He brings across my path who is fighting cancer. When we pass through the storm it can be for the benefit of those who are only entering it. Norm did not find the answer to cure his cancer, but He found Jesus, who cured his heart! His renewed faith and love allowed him to say, "The Lord is with me, to God be the Glory!"

Well done Norm, you have been a good and faithful servant. Enter into your glorious rest. Thank you for being a wonderful example to me! I will always remember you!