Two lives entwined –
The younger
And the elder –
Forever friends –
For one believed
For the life
Of the other –
The elder for
The younger –
Forever two lives
Entwined by
Love – Defined
By necessity of
The younger –
Two lives entwined –
Friends – Forever
Walking with
Jesus – Savior and
LORD of both
By Carol Ann Hoel
Johannes and Ray – Went to Heaven 48 days apart.
My husband Johannes prayed continually for my son, beginning about two years ago. Johannes often checked with me on how Ray was doing. The report was almost always that Ray was suffering but trying to get out of his addiction and poverty. There was noticeable improvement in my son’s attitude during the last year of his life.
In a voicemail to me the day before his demise, Ray was making plans for his future. He expected to wake up, and wake up he did, but in the arms of Jesus.
My last conversations with my son were full of laughter and fun. Ray cooked the Thanksgiving Day dinner for his friends. He called me several times for instruction on how to prepare the turkey, how long to cook it, and how to prepare sweet potatoes, one of his favorite holiday dishes.
Ray apparently had contracted a virus that took him down rapidly. His kidneys, already compromised by years of drug abuse, were involved. How much toxicity the kidneys spewed into his system is not yet known.
Ray’s body gave out, but his spirit soars. Ray wore two chains on his neck. One chain had a cross hanging from it, and the other was a pendant engraved with these words: Those that hope in the Lord will soar like the eagle, a paraphrased quote from Isaiah.
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Isaiah 40:31 – The Bible (NIV) – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…
Cah4el's Blog 
Yes! This needed to be a post, I’m glad you shared this special relationship.
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The day Johannes began praying seriously for Ray, my heart rejoiced. Now they are in Heaven together. I know their relationship is richer now than it was here on earth. We all have much to look forward to when we move from here to there. From three dimensional earth to eternity with untold dimensions extending like the realms of the universe expand. I cannot even imagine how exciting life will be. Blessings to you, Patti…
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This was a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing it!
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Thank you for leaving a comment. I enjoy your blog very much. Your poetry praises Jesus. I never tire of it. Blessings to you…
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Oh Carol Ann, my heart is breaking for your loss while at the same time it is rejoicing over the fact that both Johannes and Ray are safe in the arms of Jesus. What a precious gift to have had those fun times with your son before he left this world. I’m so sorry for your loss my beautiful friend. So wish I could hug you.
Your poem is beyond beautiful. It created the image of flowering vines entwining and racing up to heaven. Thanks for sharing it with us. (Love and hugs).
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Elizabeth, I love your interpretation of my poem. This is how I see them now, appreciating one another for all the good in each of them and all the grace that made all our blessings possible. Jesus is the reason we have hope, health, wealth, and a future that’s beautiful and bright. Thank you for your kind comment. Blessings to you…
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They had a beautiful relationship. I’m glad your husband supported you in praying for your son. It breaks my heart that you’ve endured these two losses so close to one another. Your faith and strength are encouraging. Sometimes I don’t think we realize how much we can handle until we actually do it.
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I was very glad when my husband began praying for my son and asking me how he was doing. God gives strength according to our needs. When we need more grace, grace grows and multiplies in abundance. When we feel those moments of despair, we get a small taste of what Calvary was like. We share just a little in His pain. In those moments I don’t stop and think how awful it was for Jesus. I think how awful it is for me. But when Jesus wraps me in His love and lifts me up, then I realize how painful Calvary must have been, and how wonderful Jesus is. Thank you for your kind thoughts and encouragement. Blessings to you, Janna…
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Carol Ann, I’m so sorry for your loss. Two loved ones passing so close together is difficult even when we know they have gone to a better place. I will be praying for you to find strength and contentment as you move forward with your life.
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Thank you, Carol. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you…
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I am so sorry to know this Carol! You have been through so much! Thank god that God knows that too and is with you constantly my precious friend.
May this year bring you the abundance of peace and love you so deserve!
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Thank you for stopping by and for your concern. I have high hopes for this year. I am trusting God and waiting to see His blessings. May your life be blessed and enriched this year, also.
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my prayers are and will always be with you.
lots of love.
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where are you?
take care.
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I apologize for my late reply to your first comment. Somehow I missed seeing it. I saw this one, and when I came in to reply, I saw the first one. Blessings to you, Trisha…
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i am missing you a lot! hope peace will settle down in your blessed heart in its full glory soon!
much love.
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Thank you, Trisha. I hope I’ll feel like myself again soon. Sometimes I do, and other times, I’m sad. I’ll be okay. Life will go on and I’ll adjust. Thanks for caring. Blessings to you…
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write more, it really have a very good therapeutic effect. your friends will be able to reach out to you, share their love for you more frequently.
love and hugs.
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I am so glad that you and Ray had those words between you.
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I, too, am glad that my last conversation with Ray was positive. I miss Johannes and Ray more than I can say. Thank you for stopping by, Tammy.
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Hi Carol,
To write a post like this one requires a special kind of acceptance of your own self and all that you stand for. Your ability to hold onto your faith shines through.I would like to applaud you for that.
Shakti
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I apologize for my late reply, Shakti. I didn’t see your comment. I missed it somehow. I am in here to answer another one and saw it. Thank you for your kind words. Blessings to you…
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waiting for some new posts from you.
much love.
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I hear you, Trisha. I have written again, and I’m posting it now in the fourth watch of the night. I appreciate you very much. Blessings to you…
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My dear Carol Ann, I’m so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. It is a wonderful thing to know he and Johannes are rejoicing in heaven as we speak. Much love and blessings to you, dear friend.
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Thank you, Bonnie. I appreciate your stopping by. I am doing okay. It is a comfort knowing that they are both there with the Lord. I miss them anyway, of course. Blessings to you, Bonnie…
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I’m at an unusual loss for words. wow…….
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Thank you for stopping by, Len. I appreciate your comfort.
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