around 9:40 am on Friday (May 8), I received word that Troy Gatlin had passed away. I don’t have the words to express everything that I felt at that time, but there were a lot of tears involved…mingled with feelings of peace and relief that my friend was free from pain. Katy (Troy’s wife) more eloquently articulated these emotions on Troy’s caring bridge blog:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/troygatlin
I was overcome with emotion…and the deluge of tears started that morning. by noon I was on the road headed home. I had a few bumps along the way…mainly that Maggie (my car) was having some serious engine issues. I had several emergency stops on the side of the road. but by the grace of God I made the trek safely.
when I got to Winnie…the day worsened. my mom called in hysterics because she had received word from the emergency room that that my uncle was dying. the hospital had called to ask someone to come sign a paper agreeing to whether or not we would put my uncle on life support. by the time I got off the phone, I felt like I was going to explode with the sorrow I felt.
but somehow, a glimmer of hope burst through (with God’s provision, and with many thanks to the prayers of some awesome friends). I was reminded that Troy was finally at peace, pain-free and cancer-free in his heavenly Home. and after getting to the hospital (and finally getting past the emergency room staff) it became evident that my uncle was not dying. he has several severe on-going medical problems, and on top of being seriously ill, the emergency room made a judgement call without taking time to familiarize themselves with his medical history. by saturday, my uncle was in a regular hospital room and on his way to recovering.
sunday was hard. my heart was broken for all of Troy’s family…especially his mom (Tammy). I don’t think any mother should have to bury their child, much less on mother’s day. however even though the day was incredibly sad, it offered so much encouragement and hope. the service was a true testimony to Troy’s life and his legacy. the sheer number of people who came to celebrate the life of Troy spoke volumes. God truly used Troy as a vessel to deliver His message to so many people. I am in awe of the Gatlin/Hicks family…their faith has shone through this whole battle. It is evident that their hope is in the Lord. Katy (Troy’s wife) recorded the song “I Will Rise” for Troy the night before he passed away; they played the recording at his service on Sunday. the song was a beautiful tribute to the life Troy lived here on earth, and the life he will spend in his eternal Home.
I WILL RISE
There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well”
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
There’s a day that’s drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
Troy, my friend you left a mark on so many of us…I am at peace knowing that you are Home…free from cancer and free from pain. you are greatly missed, but one day there will be a rocking awesome reunion in Heaven…
