Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness. Psalm 145:6
David Bloom began his television career in La Crosse, Wisconsin. From there it was to a small station in Wichita, Kansas, and then onto Miami, Florida where his coverage of Hurricane Andrew won him a local Emmy.
That’s when he caught the attention of NBC News and became a correspondent, eventually covering the White House.
But in 2003 he was covering the war in Iraq where he was imbedded with the U.S. Third Infantry Division.
In fact, in the news industry, he is remembered for creating the “Bloom Mobile,” an Army tank recovery vehicle retrofitted with live television and satellite transmission equipment so he could continuously broadcast reports as troops make their way toward Bagdad.
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand. –Irish Blessing
What most didn’t know was that Bloom was a family man whose faith in God had become a significant force in his life. Bloom, 39, died of a pulmonary embolism while covering the war in Iraq.
Bloom, who left a wife, Melanie, and three daughters, was a committed Christian.
Bloom’s very last report out of Iraq on April 5 was not for publication, because it was an email to his wife, Melanie. The message was read at his memorial service:
He had no idea that he would die within twenty-four hours of writing this email to Melanie. He simply knew that his heart belonged to her, his daughters and Jesus.
It got us to thinking. If we knew we had one last email to write to each other, what would we say? It’s a sobering question, for sure. But certainly one worth pondering.
Reflect and Respond
If you knew it was your last email to your spouse, what would you say? You’d tell them you love them, of course, but what else?
Go ahead, tell us in the comments.
Related Resource
God brings us soul-friends to help in our spiritual journey, sometimes in predictable places: small groups, friendships, and mentors. But they’re sometimes found in places we don’t expect. Whether it’s a hidden guide, a member of a small group, or a friend we’ve had for years, these soul-friends all hold the potential to embody grace that enables us to take a next step in the unfolding journey of our faith.
Neglected & abandoned somehow I love you doesn’t come to mind. He goes to & comes home from work when he feels like it, has 4 beers, takes a shower puts on his bathrobe (nothing underneath), has dinner, plays with his phone passes out by 8pm because “he’s tired” it’s been made perfectly clear to me I’m not family just a hired hand. If I died today it would be a great relief to me. I love you & I’m sorry would go to my daughter & grandson whom he kicked out of the car last Easter. Her behavior was unconscionable but (throwing a fit at church) & taking advantage of us but after 7yrs of verbal & emotional abuse what can you expect.
Oh by the way I’m 56yrs old & unemployed who’s going through hire me? Our house is about $2k to run. I really think he’d like me to leave anyway so he’d be relieved he’d have the find another housekeeper
Oh, dear Linda – My heart aches for you and others in a similar position. For what it’s worth, I believe our merciful God, as you continue to serve and love your husband without love in return, will Himself reward you. He is watching and saving your tears for that beautiful day when he will reward each of us for such suffering in His name. May God give you the grace to continue to love unconditionally and to bind your suffering with that of our Lord’s on the Cross that it might not be in vain or lead to despair, but that it might be born in hope of the only One who will never abandon us, our loving God. Big, big e-hugs to you, sister.
Thank you unfortunately the unconditional love has already lead to dispare. Unequally yolked & I knew it was wrong & did it anyway. A marriage that never should’ve been needs to end & God will be with me just as he is with my daughter. Thankfully she’s attending a Christ centered bible believing bible preaching church has gotten involved with ministry as a greeter attends their singles & divorce care group which makes me very happy. We actually attend the same church I saw her Easter Sunday for the 1st time in over a year. Currently my life is a mess & it’s my fault
There are times when we never know what will happen to us. The story of David Bloom takes me back and brings me to tears. Two years ago today I fell off a roof and lived. I am known for having a hard head. After 2 years I still thank God for his tender mercy and for a loving and caring wife and family who stood by me and helped me and prayed me through to recovery. Also for all of the prayer warriors who prayed for my recovery, thank you. The significance and blessing to all of this is that my recovery is a testimony to God and his power. God is Good! Treat each moment as if it was the most important time in your life, your spouse’s life and thank Jesus for each precious moment of love and growth.
What an amazing God we serve. So blessed by your testimony! Continue to give God the glory!
I would tell My Love: You are the greatest, loving and kindest person I’ve ever known. I love you so much. Thank you for loving me for over forty years and never wavering in making sacrifices for me and your daughters. You always put us first no matter what. You never complain about working hard or going places with me when you would prefer to stay home and rest. You surprise me with flowers, jewelry and anything else that you think I like. You help with the housework, and you keep my car running well. When we buy a new car, you call the new car my car, and you drive the older one. You work overtime whenever you can, so you can take me shopping. When I don’t understand issues as well as I should, you never abuse me or try to make me look small. When I make poor decisions, you cover me and love me anyway. I’m so blessed to have you as my husband, my best friend, my lover. I will always love you, and hope we will grow old together. I’ll take care of you.
Love you forever,
Your Lou
That’s awesome Louisa and Bob! I just read this after an argument with my husband. Linda. I am sorry for your pain. I’d say my relationship sits somewhere in the middle of all of you. I won’t write an email now because I know on the heels of an argument it wouldn’t be the words I’d want to say. However, I will thank God for this article right on the heels of the argument as not only a reminder of what my Christian example should be as the wife to an unsaved husband but also how limited our time can be and the pain we would cause the people left behind if the last words were unkind. God bless.
I would tell my children, once again, how GOD created them and gifted them to me to save my life and to exhibit HIS unconditional and redeeming love toward the lost. I would tell my Husband that he is a reflection of GOD’s heart toward me and I am honored to have shared my marrital journey with him. He has fostered my spiritual growth and that of our children. Thank you for demonstrating GOD’s tangible love.