Pastor Harrison - Thank you for writing this message from God's Word; it came, for me, at a very good TIME. Your comments regarding death being bitter, saying goodbye, and grieving are all too relevant for me in these present days. Although he was active "before your time," perhaps you knew of our pastor at St. John Lutheran Church, in Defiance, Ohio, (1963 to 1992), Rev. David R. Koenig. His time on this earth ended last month, on August 10, 2018, and oh, how I miss him. I was privileged and blessed to work with Pastor Koenig in the church office at St. John from 1977 to 1992. For about his last 3 years with us on this earth, he struggled with the effects of Parkinson's disease, and much of that time was spent in care facilities, especially after his wife died on Feb. 1, 2016. I had the privilege of helping his family with his care, visiting him almost daily. His time with us on earth ended last month, on August 10, 2018, and oh, how I miss him. I learned so much about living in Christ through his faithful carrying out of God's Word - in speech and in actions. Besides being a very good teacher/preacher, he was an Encourager for all his flock, and others. Pastor Koenig shepherded 20 vicars during his 29 years at St. John (including Henry Gerike, former kantor at the seminary in St. Louis). The many I've known have spoken of their deep appreciation for Pastor K's kind and wise leading, and it is heartwarming to know that his manner of shepherding is having an effect, even at this Time, in the hearts and lives of thousands of God's people. Thank you, again, for your encouragement - especially including these words: "We live in blessed hope and optimism, even in the face of death, because God has 'a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth'.” (Eph. 1:10). ~Peg Miller, Defiance, Ohio.