Good morning…
He was in my youngest daughter’s high school graduating class. She’s now twenty-two, he, twenty-three. This morning we will go to his funeral at the school where the kids attended and both of his parents have taught for years. As friend, colleague and school chaplain, my husband will officiate while I am quietly present, bearing witness with light-filled eyes.
“…the people with light-filled eyes are not frightened by my grief,” explains author Paula D’Arcy, who lost her own child and husband in one horrific moment. “Some admit that they don’t begin to understand it. But none of them can be dissuaded from their belief that God is with me in it. They say he has never left me. Would not. In fact, he is in the abyss with me, waiting. And he will stay with me, as long as it takes.”
I don’t begin to understand this beloved family’s grief, but I do know the God who stays with us in it, waiting for as long as it takes.
The only source of light for the body is the eye. When you look at people and want to help them, you are full of light (Luke 11:34a, ERV). I pray that my eyes, un-frightened by grief, shine a sliver of God’s light on this dark winter day.
…Sue…
P.S. Our daughter just came home to get ready to meet up with friends to go to the funeral. She said, “Mom, did you read the obituary? It was so well written, so beautiful.”
“I totally agree,” I responded. “It was so very beautiful. You can tell how very much he was loved by so many.”
For those of you who are interested in learning about his life, prayerfully consider the healing power of his obituary.
