If there’s anyone out there to read this–I received word yesterday that a close friend of mine who moved out of state years ago had died. The first word came in the church’s e-newsletter. Her “family and friends” were in the weekly addition to the prayer list. I sent a message to the church clerk asking what had happened. She told me that the friend had died and provided a link to the obituary. After looking at it and leaving my messages in the online guest book, I called RFP to tell him in case he hadn’t heard. The widower had already called him, though. There will be a graveside service tomorrow in a city where RFP has family, and he and his wife are going. They will give my condolences to the widower. No mailing address was provided in the obit.
I cried all day yesterday, and today I have a “kicked in the gut” feeling. You see, before they moved, this couple were like parents to me. They took me to stay at their house when I was sick. They drove me to distant medical appointments. They sat with me while my mother had emergency surgery. Many other things, too. They were at my wedding. I’m thankful to God that at least she’ll never know I’m divorced.
I don’t like it when they say “in lieu of flowers.” Giving a plant is the final gift I can give to the departed. I know they say make a donation to this or that charity instead, but it isn’t the same. You always have the opportunity to donate to the charity, but you do not have the departed any more.
This is Radio Nowhere, broadcasting to anyone who may be alive out there.
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