Lord – I thank You for the precious legacy, life and work of Dr. Denton Cooley. Dr. Cooley was a truly great doctor, an amazing healer of hearts around the world, an even greater servant in Your Kingdom on Earth. Yet, as famous and great as he was and as deeply devoted to those he served, last Friday his own life came to end. Although his healing art had extended the lives of thousands of Your children, young and old, his death could not be prevented. This Thanksgiving there will be another empty chair at the Cooley family table. The family he loved and who loved him will feast in gratitude on the bounty his life made possible. At Christmas his cherished family will hang their stockings on the mantle of sorrow, but their stockings will be filled with the gift You gave to them and us when You sent Dr. Cooley to our needful world.

Because of his selfless service to God and humankind, I know that Dr. Cooley and his blessed bride, Louise, have now been reunited in heaven. I rejoice in knowing by faith that once again their two strong happy hopeful hearts are beating again as one. Thanks to the Risen Christ, his angelic work on earth will continue to operate in heaven under the everlasting light and love of God. Amen

Jack H. Emmott is a Member of Gray, Reed & McGraw, Houston, Texas and a Board Certified family law attorney, mediator, author, entrepreneur and inspirational speaker.