Wednesday, November 29, 2006

The loss of a father

The father of a high school friend passed away unexpectedly recently. Today was his funeral. As I followed the service seated next to good friends, a number of memories, thoughts, emotions, and questions came to mind. From what I knew of him and what I know of my friend, I could clearly see where my friend got his knack for making people feel at ease and his generous, sociable manner. Like his dad, though, he's tough in character and was stoic and strong at the wake and service today except for one moment. He delivered a wonderful ending line in his eulogy which went something like this: "In the end, the doctors said it was his heart that failed. From what I know and what we've seen and heard here today, they were clearly wrong." His voice cracked at the end of this line and with it, the hearts of everyone at the service. Even one of the priests on the altar wiped away a tear.

Despite my faith in this life leading to another in Heaven, there is still sadness and sympathy for the regret for things which my friend and his father won't be able to share now. My thoughts and prayers are with you, friend, as the weight of these thoughts sink in over the coming days. Don't be afraid to let us carry them with you.

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