Joe Charles

Early this morning Mr. J. Joseph Charles went home to be with his Saviour. For any of us who knew him we are aware of what a great loss this is....yet what a sweet gain as well as he is now "absent from the body and present with the Lord." Here is a note we received from Mrs. Charles just a little while ago.....

January 7, 2009

Dear Friends,

Joe is with the Lord. I did not have to make the hospice decision; the Lord made His choice evident.

Joe seemed weaker today when I arrived at the hospital. With supplemental oxygen, at lunchtime today his oxygen saturation was 97%. Shortly after lunch there was an obvious change. Joe began very labored, stressful breathing. Even with a mask and oxygen turned as high as it would go, Joe kept saying he needed more oxygen. With morphine, Joe was able to relax and breathe more normally. He was kept comfortable and passed into eternity at around 2AM. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. There is true comfort in grief because of the assurance our faith brings.

Jim and Anne Steel arrived at the hospital right as Joe was experiencing distress. They have been with me all day and were with me when Joe died. I had wanted to be with Joe when he passed away, and the Lord graciously granted me that privilege.

Thank you for praying during these past days – and even years. We have relied heavily on the prayers of God’s people. Thank you for continuing to pray as service plans are made.

In Christ’s care,
Michele

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Charles during these days as she adjust to life without 'her Joe'.