When I say that someone is finishing well, I don’t think of a test or a project, but of a person’s life.

A dear family member just finished well when he went to be with the Lord. A quiet man who could have done what so many do in life.

You see, he had a very poor upbringing. He had practically absent parents and no food, no one to tuck him in at night, no one to make sure he got his homework done. No one to model love or affection.

So many these days are using their poor upbringing to make excuses for a life of poor choices. He was not one of these people. He could have identified as a victim and therefore expected everyone to feel sorry for him. He didn’t do this either.

Instead he used every circumstance of his life to better himself. Through his military career, his marriage, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and then later in life, caring for his mother, stepfather, and wife, every decision he made whether good or bad, he used to improve himself. Not for his own selfish gain but because that is living a Christ-like life.

As his body was dying, he was given a gift not given to many. He was given the blessed time to say good-bye.

How many people, when given just a few weeks to live, would rail against the unfairness of it all? How many would spend it weeping and regretting past poor choices?

Not him. He spent his time welcoming people into his home, sharing his life with people, taking pictures with family and friends. Making jokes and focusing on ensuring others were comfortable and happy.

This is not to negate his physical condition. Make no mistake, he was in constant intense physical pain.

In scripture we are told to count it all joy when we experience various trials. He did that, to the very end.

Never before had I seen someone finish his race with such grace, love, honor, joy and contentment.

I learned a lot from him, and I am so proud and honored to be a small part of the legacy that he left.