Delmar

In 1999 one of my Pastoral duties was to visit the sick and shut-ins. I enjoy this part of the ministry because I learn more about folks. There was one particular church member that my family and I had really grown close to. We had not known him all that long but he sat directly behind us in the congregation. He was diagnosed with cancer and went through 3-years of treatments and suffering. He would come to church even though his hair had all fallen out from the chemotherapy and he was barely able to walk. He was a quiet man but in those last years of his life he was outspoken in his love for Christ. He shared his testimony and remained faithful to the very end. He was an inspiration to all that knew him. I was fortunate to spend some time with him the last week of his life and when he died, I penned down these words as a tribute to him.

A Tribute To Delmar
(c) Byron Chesney 1/8/1999

I wasted so many years," I heard him say,
on the visit I paid him, that cold January day.

"If only I had known the love others had for me,
I would have been a diferen't man you see."

"I know you're not supposed to look back and regret,
but I didn't know what I had until here at the last."

"Oh but what a difference these past three years has made.
The love that I feel inside, I can barely contain."

Though his body was tired and his countenance was weak,
he sat with me for hours and continued to speak.

I could see the compassion and the love in his eyes,
as he spoke of his Church, his Lord, and his wife.

When I left there that night my mind began drifting,
though I had came to cheer him, it was me that was lifted.

When the call came on Friday I didn't have to ask,
I knew in my heart my dear friend has passed.

Though my soul is vexed and tears fill my eyes,
I'll see him again... In Heaven on high.