Travel to Missouri went very well, yesterday, with all flights either on-time or ahead of schedule. There wasn't even much traffic on the interstate this morning.
I'm at my mom's in southwest Missouri, where it's sunny, very windy and 85 degrees. The weatherman is calling for t-storms tomorrow, and temps in the 90-degrees range. That's hard for an Alaskan to take - Friday was our warmest day of the year, so far, with a high of 57. 90 is pushing it, comfort-wise.
Mom's church is hosting the party ... yes, I said party ... for my dad on Tuesday. As Christians, we do not mourn the way some might: death is an escape from our temporary physical existence, and the Bible teaches that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. My dad is in Heaven, seeing the face of God, and the last thing he'd want is for anyone to sit around weeping and wailing because he's made it there. So we're going to celebrate!
Mom, my sister and I have been looking through photographs today, trying to find a fair assortment of milestones from his life which the church will turn into a slideshow for Tuesday. My sister is pulling together some memorabilia for a small display at the fellowship hall: his books of poetry, Army insignia, his American Legion cap ... things like that. The Legion is going to do a very brief but proper military send-off for him, and then we'll all sit down to a big luncheon in his honor.
Mom's holding up pretty well, and I'm here for her. I'm taking her out for nice lunch tomorrow, and then we'll just visit for a few days.
Did I mention it's too hot, here? Oh, right ... just making sure. Anyway, I spent some time talking to my bride (it will be 31 years, this month) and wishing we could be together for Mother's Day. Sometimes, life interrupts your plans with things which are more important. Happens to us all, all the time.
It's how we deal with those interruptions that defines us. Y'all be kind to each other, hear?
Psalm 22:27-28: “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the Lord's, and he ruleth among the nations.”
6 comments:
squee! Happy Anniversary! :)
(Also, happy..um.... Liberation Day*? :p
* which ain't to say being on opposite sides of the veil don't suck mightily at times.
A Celebration of Life - the tears will come, so will the memories, the smiles and laughter. Hug 'em all, remember and rejoice. May you all find the Peace that comes with knowing your loved one is home.
You are an admirable person, Rev Paul. Take care and enjoy the celebration.
Sorry for your loss. But I am a firm believer in celebrating a life well lived. Have you ever met anyone that wanted people to stand around and cry for days after their passing. I haven't.
Congrats on your anniversary. I bet you can celebrate proper on your return home.
Happy belated Mother's Day to Mrs. Paul and happy anniversary to you both.
Your family remains in our prayers.
So sorry about the loss of your Dad, my friend. Then again, when we know where they are, we can celebrate for them in their victory over death--they live with Christ in a better place. What a blessing.
My prayers are with you.
Anthony
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