The morning of April 18, 2017 was the morning that God had planned from eternity past to lift Dick Kearns from the bonds of his body and into the loving embrace of Jesus Christ. All Dick’s days, from conception to death, were ordained by God and written in His book before one of them came to be. His short story on this planet ended on that April morning, but the rest of his eternal story has only just begun.
Dick is the husband of Dixie, one of the 10 women I share life with. We’re called Heirborne, a worship band of all women, and we worship together, pray together, cry together and celebrate God together. We road trip around Oregon dragging sound equipment and instruments to various retreats and events and have a blast.
We’ve been together for more years than I can remember helping and praying each other through the struggles and joys of living of life. Even now, as I type this, one of us was just admitted to the hospital and the text messages of prayer are flying.
Dixie is one of the five vocalists of Heirborne and sings alto. The evening of April 18, she came to rehearsal as usual but grieving. We wrapped our arms, our hearts and our prayers around her. At Dick’s memorial service, we sang, I Will Rise, and, to the astonishment of everyone in the room, Dixie stepped onto the platform, stood front and center with Jamey and Marcy on one side and Rhonda and Denice on the other  and she sang out her heart…
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”

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
I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. Mine certainly weren’t.
At rehearsal last Tuesday night, she brought a poem she had written and read it to us because she wanted us to know this man of hers whom she deeply loves. I asked if I could post it, and she, rather hesitantly, agreed. I pray that her grief and her hope touches that place in every heart that has known grief.

WHEN I GET HOME

By Dixie Kearns

Going off to work each morning,

Leaving you asleep, alone –

No goodbye or sad forlorning,

You’ll be here when I get home.

Driving home in dark of evening,

Knowing what awaits me soon,

“Is that you, hon? How’s your day been?

I’m sure glad you’re home!”

Weekend brings us both together –

Time to share our lives as one.

‘So good to be with one another,

Joining hearts in our church home.

Family loved and family needing,

Oft I leave to serve my own.

But my heart is always seeking

To come back to you at home.

You received a Godly vision,

Though its scope is still unknown.

You completed your great mission

And God began to call you home

Days of pain and days of suffering,

You endured a mass of stone.

No hope is medicine now offering.

You want just to be back home.

God is good and God is gracious.

My Love, if only I had known

How short was time and moments precious

‘Til Jesus came and took you home.

Now I drive in evening darkness,

Rememb’ring how your lovelight shone.

Up ahead I face great sadness –

You’re not there when I get home.

Loving you so long and deeply –

How to live now that you’re gone?

Memories surround me sweetly.

How I yearn for you at home!

Someday traveling will be over,

No more miles be left to roam.

Then I’ll finally see my Savior.

And you’ll be there when I go home.

 
Dixie is pictured with the rest of Heirborne on the Events page.