This weekend I had the incredible privilege of celebrating the earthly life of a fantastic man, Coach Ken Foster. He and his family have been a part of my life since I was 9 years old and first moved to Germany to live at Black Forest Academy. They joined us for many years as part of our family during Christmas, New Years, 4th of July, Birthdays, etc. Granted, my parents knew them a lot better than I did, but being there for this memorial was so special. It was even more so because I had tried 2 weeks ago to go visit, and that fell through.
When I found out Coach had gone to be with Jesus, and that the service was going to be held on a day I already had off, I made arrangements to head down to Rusk, TX.
The service was beautiful. We laughed. We cried.
But, believe it or not, my favorite part had nothing to do with what was happening on stage. As is customary with these gatherings, the family all filed in to the front row. Mike, Val's husband, was on the end of the row, followed by his son and son's girlfriend. Then Val sat next to her mom, Marilyn, and Heather sat on the other side, with the rest of the family filling in the row.
At some point during the service, I can't remember quite when, I noticed Val's shoulder's were shaking with silent sobs. All three ladies were huddling together, and Mike got up, switched places with Michael, and put his arm around all three of the Foster ladies. His simple act of love triggered a prayer of thanks in my heart. I love these ladies dearly, and the fact that God provided such a great son-in-love for the family to assist in carrying the torch of Ken's love for them blew me away. I knew that God had ordained Mike to become a part of the family long ago, and God will continue to use him to never take his place, but ease the pain of Ken's leaving for the ladies. I will pray hard for Mike as this burden of love gets transferred to his shoulders.
Another favorite part was the life story, written by Marilyn, Heather, and Val, and read by Brendon, a former student/athlete that was at BFA for many years. I want a copy of it, as it was so well written, and shared so much love and heart and insight into Coach's life.
My parents had the chance to visit Rusk a couple times before this. On their first visit, they were a little lost, so they called to get directions on their cell phones. Step by step, they were led to the Foster's house, where they were greeted with this sign (somehow "removed" from a German Autobahn.. . we won't ask how), and Ken and Marilyn sitting in their driveway in lawn chairs. Dad and mom started laughing so hard, that dad almost steered the car into the ditch before arriving at their destination. They, of course HAD to get a picture taken with the sign.
The sign means "exit", as in "exit here to leave the autobahn". This picture, however, reminds me that Coach has "Ausfahrt"-ed from this world into eternity. What a celebration was had when he got there. Oh, to be an angel on a cloud watching that reunion. Maybe God will give me a replay of that one someday so I can see it for myself instead of just having to imagine it.
