“It was the longest week EVER — my mom was dying and I could do NOTHING about it — I couldn’t reach out to my dad because he was glued to Momma’s side; my older brother Trevor was unable to be with us. I didn’t know what to do – then Saturday came – THAT Saturday, and it was an overcast, hot day — the neighborhood seemed quieter than usual it’s like THEY all knew. A girlfriend came to get me because she thought “You need some air. Come with me to run an errand” After clearing it with my dad he supported the idea. We came back to our street and before turning onto our street, I covered my eyes and asked my friend if there was a hearse there to pick Mom up — she said “No uncover your eyes, it’s fine”. I went in and moments later Momma, I witnessed her slipping away — I raced to find my phone book and called EVERY number. I got to the F’s and called Sis Denver Keane at the Family Church on the Rock, Kingston offices — she answered (whew!!) I explained what was happening — “Sis Denver my mom is dying you HAVE to come – Help me please!” She lovingly calmed me down “Hold on sweetheart you’re okay — breathe I will call Pastor” I thought it’s Saturday, it’s so last minute, I’m sure he’s busy with preparation for church the next day — she said “Don’t hang up I’m calling his cell” – Man that meant everything. she let me hold while she tracked Pastor David Keane down. she at last made contact and she told me “He’s on his way – hold on Joy he’s on his way — call if you need ANYthing else okay love.” I remember most from this call the LOVE I felt through the telephone line. I WAS LOVED!!!!! Well, moments after I hung up, momma slipped away peacefully – staring at the love of her life and me then closing her eyes and went HOME!!! Immediately, it started to rain — no drizzle or thunder or any kind of prep to know it’s coming. The rain just came. It poured.
My friend who rescued me earlier that day, came to me and said “I think Pastor Keane’s at your gate in the rain” She ran to let him in and I came to the verandah. “Pastor Keane it’s pouring — you came! I can’t believe you came.” He is drenched, and out of breath. “Am I too late daughter?” (He called me daughter) I could only nod! He hugged me — wet clothes and all; and asked “Can i still see her?” I uncovered momma’s face and he said “Wow a saint’s gone home”. He held my hand and stayed while I took her wedding rings off her hand. Then he went to my dad and engulfed him in a bear hug — my dad wept on his shoulder — Pastor Keane, in my house, hugging my dad and just being there — Talk about living love out loud! It’s all he did from the day I met him and began to attend Church on teh Rock. I have received nothing but acceptance, kindness, love, unconditional love. It’s Acts of the Apostles in action there and Pastor Keane is a trend setter where that’s concerned. After talking with my mom’s sister and cousins – he came to find me, took me by the hand and said “Daughter, come with me, let’s talk — what can I do — just name it and it’s done” I said “How do I get in touch with Dovecot to make arrangements I dunno where to start.” Pastor Keane pulls out his cell and calls a contact at Dovecot right away – makes arrangements for us, gives my name as contact since my Daddy could barely speak at the time. He hangs up and says “Done, what else” – I said nothing right now– he says you know what take my number – call if you need anything night or day – promise me, you’ll call – Sis Dever and the Church on the Rock family is here for you – promise you’ll call.” He hugged me for what seemed like minutes then left to go see and hug my dad before leaving!
The next day I manage to make my way to Church on the Rock. Pastor David gave me the nod from the platform when he saw me arrive. At giving his announcements, he told the congregation “Make sure you give Joy more hugs than usual today” He relayed being there at Mom’s homegoing, and said “Her daughter, our daughter is in church today – make sure you give Joy plenty love today!” Then he said “Good to see you daughter!” Pastor Denver came down, hugged me and went back to the piano.
That Pastor David Keane – one my spiritual dads and personal heroes. I call it a blessing and a privilege to be in his world – but more than that – that he is in mine — IS EVERYTHING. Love you Pastor David – probably more than you love me! “Faithful is He who will do this”
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