I got "the call" this morning. You know the one. The one you keep expecting but hope never arrives. I was to come right away, if possible. I rushed to my car and sped down the road (apologies to the highway patrol. Thank you for not pulling me over). I wanted to be there to hold his hand, to whisper sweet nothings in his ear, to comfort him. But he decided to go quickly, before I could get there. Yes, that was devastating, especially since I'd had a camp cot, pillow, and weekender in the trunk of my car for over a month, expecting (obviously) to be with him for however long it took, at the drop of a hat.
But here's the cool thing: The music therapist was having a video call with him (you'll remember how he loved music therapy) and was playing and singing Paul Simon's The 59th Street Bridge Song:
Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feelin' groovy
Ba da-da da-da da-da, feelin' groovy...
And here's the other cool thing: As she was singing "feelin' groovy," he and Jesus decided it was time for him to go Home. He passed from this life to the next, just like that. He fell asleep here, and he woke up there (or, for those who believe a bit differently, he will wake up there). And now he's healed. He's whole. He's...feelin' groovy.
Rest in perfect Peace, my love. There can never be another you. I'll miss you until I see you again. The time may seem long for me, but it will be short, really. And then we will be together in the presence of the Lord, and time will be infinite. Eternal.
The Lord, the Psalmist’s Shepherd.
A Psalm of David.
(New International Version)
23 The Lord is my shepherd,
I [a]shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside [b]quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the [c]paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the [d]valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no [e]evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You [f]have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 [g]Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will [h]dwell in the house of the Lord [i]forever.
Footnotes
Psalm 23:1 Or do
Psalm 23:2 Lit waters of rest
Psalm 23:3 Lit tracks
Psalm 23:4 Or valley of deep darkness
Psalm 23:4 Or harm
Psalm 23:5 Or anoint
Psalm 23:6 Or Only
Psalm 23:6 Another reading is return to
Psalm 23:6 Lit for length of days
You are certainly in my heart, Chris, and in my prayers.
ReplyDelete~ Gelene (Bonnie's sister)
Thank you so much for thinking of me while in the middle of your own grief. Your prayers are needed and appreciated!
DeletePraying for peace and strength for you, my dear friend. Words always seem so empty at a time like this, but please know you are so loved.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteChris, what is there to say? This is the time of all times when most words utterly fail. But it's all I have, so I offer them to you. I cannot thank you enough for teaching me how to better love my Linda as we follow in your footsteps. This is certainly the Day of Days. How can it be that joy and sorrow can blend together like this? Tears and laughter. Thank you for being a friend to us in the midst of your own sorrow. You have been such an encouragement and a real example of how love navigates these dark waters. Please let's stay in touch as we are able. -Mike and Linda
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, my dear friends! Of course we will stay in touch, and I am here for you just as you have been there for me. Many blessings to you as you continue your journey!
DeleteChris, no words. Sorry to hear about. But I love how tender Jesus invited him home. What a beautiful departure. You're in my prayers. God Bless
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mike. I really appreciate your prayers!
DeletePeace and strength my friend. What an amazing tribute. He was blessed to have you as his partner.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jim!
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