Shar Dluzak- one amazing woman

Today my dear friend and mentor went to meet Jesus. After contracting hepatitis last July, then getting a liver transplant, then having infections and other health issues, and being in ICU, she now has relief. And not just relief, but joy. JOY! healing, and peace. I believe she is in heaven!

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." Matt 25:34

Shar is one of the most amazing women I've ever known. She and her husband, Rick, moved here from CA so her sons could receive care through NIH for Wiskott-Aldrich disease. After years of hospitalizations and prolonged desperate prayer, both boys outlived projected outcomes and passed away in their teens. Shar also lost her twin boys years before to the same disease shortly after birth. They have survived unbearable grief, and not just survived it but have lived lives of abundant joy in serving countless others. She was my "go to gal" anytime I needed to be remined of the truth of God's love in times of suffering.

I thank God for Shar's life, and for the priviledge of having crossed paths with her. She guided us through the start of MOPS at Church of the Redeemer, and was even at our home to witness the birth of our second son in our bedroom (unintentional!). She helped me get my bearings while Will called 911 before 4 volunteer firemen and 2 EMT's showed up to deliver him. I knew the whole time that she was praying for me, and knew Rick was downstairs praying for us as well. It was such a comfort to know they were there in that seemingly out-of-control moment.

I also remember the time that Rick and Shar surprised us by showing up at our house on Christmas Eve. I think it was 2004. It was about 9pm, and Zach already had sugar plum fairies dancing around his head. Rick and Shar had just left the OASIS dinner at church, and were dressed in costume as Santa and Mrs. Klaus. (Rick makes THE MOST AWESOME Santa). We laughed at the sight of them standing in the snow on our front stoop, and although Zach had already gone to sleep it was worth the wake-up! He was in total awe of having Santa visit him (FOR REAL!!!) while all the other kids were sleeping. I have a photo of the 3 of them standing in front of our Christmas tree, and I'm dying to find it.

(later added) AHA.... I FOUND ONE!

Please pray for Rick. I know the Lord will comfort him in this difficult time. He is a gentle, kind, generous and tenderhearted man. I know he will always have the void of Shar, and his 4 boys. One day I know he will join them too. I can see Shar hugging all of them. A blessed reunion.