Back in 1960 a family welcomed twin babies: Marvin and
Martha. Soon, though, everybody called Marvin “Buddy.” Each twin was special,
of course, but Buddy also had special needs due to too much oxygen at birth.
Mom, Dad, Buddy’s siblings, plus extended family and friends treasured the
place he filled.
In later years when Dad knew that his time on earth was
running out, he explained to Buddy that Dad would be going to heaven, but that
Buddy could not come yet; someday when it was his turn, Buddy would join him. A
couple of years later, Mom passed away as well, and Buddy understood that it
was her turn but not his. At various times over the years, as his sisters
Dorothy and Martha cared for Buddy, three of their siblings also took their
turns. And then last month—less than a week before his sixty-sixth birthday—Buddy
took his turn, too.
Throughout his life, Buddy always had someone to care for
him; I doubt he ever worried about that. Why should we worry? After all, our
heavenly Caregiver promised to meet all of our earthly needs; then it, too,
shall be our turn.
