Goodbye to A, who died this morning in his house. He leaves behind his wife, L. They were married 51 years. And he has four children and 9 grandchildren. It took some doing to get through to me (hospice called the church office and not here) but I got there within an hour of his death and was able to commend him in those words that are so powerful and lovely:
Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world;
In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created you;
In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you;
In the Name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you.
May your rest be this day in peace,
and your dwelling lace in the Paradise of God.
A made the beautiful cherry table that stands in the back of the church. He had made a similar cherry table for Compa and me when we had our Holy/Civil Union. It is so beautiful that I asked if he could make another one for the church. He did and wouldn't let me pay for it.
We use the table for baptisms, placing palms and all the things we need for the Great Vigil of Easter (nails for the Paschal Candle, matches, follower, etc.), and, yes, when we have a requiem where there are ashes. I don't know if we will be using his table when the time comes for his service but if we do, it will be most fitting and poignant.
[photo: Good Friday 2006]
4 comments:
Prayers and condolences to A's family, especially his wife, and his friends and other loved ones during this time. May God's Grace and Peace shine upon them.
May A rest in peace and rise in glory. May God grant comfort, consolation, and peace to his family and friends.
How lovely that you, Compa, and the church members have the beautiful tables to remember him by.
May A., who made such beauty, rest in beauty. And may A's family know the love and comfort of God and the friends of God.
Caminante, it sounds like A had a good life. May the Lord God wrap his family in his love and peace at this time. May the angels and all the company welcome A home.
Bless you for caring so much. You and the parish are blessed by the beautiful reminders A left behind.
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