Letters From Allison Johnson

Below are two letters written by Terry's widow, Allison.  One written the night he passed away, and the other about a month after he went home to be with the Lord.


LETTER #1 
May 28, 2011

Hello, everyone,

This is Allison, Terry Johnson's wife. Today at 1:05 pm, I lost a husband who was cherished above all others. It has been very difficult for me and our 7 children. We are very distraught. We are home alone, the hospital equipment has been removed, and our house is silent except for the whimpering of those loved ones who remain. On May 18th, Terry enjoyed being with his friends and family at bible study. It is so hard to believe that in just 10 days, the disease took over completely, making him home bound and leaving us without a husband and father far too soon. The healing will take a long time, but our faith in God will pull us through. Thank you all for your firehouse stories, your love, and your care. I will post details about the funeral as I arrange them. May God bless you all.



LETTER #2
July 6, 2011
 
Tonight I miss my husband. I know you're all probably really tired of hearing it, but it helps me to write it down.

 
I don't want to go to bed, even though I'm so tired, because I don’t want to slip underneath the covers without him there to hold me.

With God's help, I've gotten through 39 days already, but sadly, they are not getting any easier. I don't imagine they will. But I know that God will strengthen me and He is faithful and true.

We are keeping busy to help forget how much we miss him by trying to tackle the huge project of finishing our basement which Terry started before he started getting too sick to work on it.

But I do still miss him. I still long to hold his hand and to fall asleep in his arms.  I want to tell him about my day, and watch him light up at the joy he got when we'd all sit at the table together and talk. I want to cry on his shoulder, ask his advice, and hear him laugh when I tell him that funny thing the kids did.

Most of all, I want to tell him how very much I love him and always will. For now, I'll do the best I can to raise our children according to God's Word. He is still here...I see him in our children every minute of every day. I thank God for that legacy.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23