Message from Dad's Bible

After the flurry of tears, plans, memorial service then a return home to reestablish normalcy, children of a parent just departed start the melancholy task of going through items they've retrieved that mean the most to them.

This morning I received a long email from my brother-in-law who has been reading reverently the notes jotted in my father-in-law's Bible. He shared many but two merit comment, probably because of my other current reading which I'll share more about later.

Dad loved the institutional church. He worked hard in it and gave generously to it. But having come to faith in Jesus later in life, he was sensitive to the possibilities that an active church life could become a substitute for a daring faith life.

Easter [Read More]
Posted by jameson ( Apr 28 2008, 11:30:28 AM EDT ) Permalink Comments [1]

Picking out funeral clothes

You know when the phone rings before the sun rises that news on the other end will not brighten your day.

We learned this morning a giant spirit broke free and his body fell to earth. It was not unexpected, just too soon. My wife's father has gone on ahead and left us behind.

Why black? [Read More]
Posted by jameson ( Apr 06 2008, 03:33:35 PM EDT ) Permalink Comments [1]

Theories easy on paper

End of life issues are easy in theory, much harder when the frail flesh of a dear family member adds a heart beat, a wan smile and pain filled groans to the deliberations.

Four weeks ago we secured a place for my father-in-law in a dementia unit. His wife's own issues keep her from caring for him at home. Shortly after he was moved, he fell and broke his hip.

[Read More]
Posted by jameson ( Mar 30 2008, 01:21:18 PM EDT ) Permalink Comments [3]