A Good Life

Ward passed away on Friday.

As I mentioned in the posting on June 12^th, Ward is someone from church who I cared about and admired.  He was diagnosed with cancer last December, went through a lot of chemotherapy and the disease just wouldn’t go away.  Ward decided to go into hospice on Saturday, the 12^th, and he died on Friday the 18^th.  It was that fast.

In a side note, I have contemplated in the past about which is the better way to die, suddenly or slowly.  Ward died somewhat slowly in that he was sick for six months although the majority of that time he truly felt he would beat the disease.  When he finally decided to end the fight, his family gathered around and he died peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.  If someone has to choose how to die, I think that is probably the best way…at peace and surrounded by love.

There was a memorial service this afternoon at church.  Ward was an Episcopal priest for years at a church in Massachusetts so his funeral is going to be there on Wednesday.  Today’s service was for all of those who knew him in this area.  The church was full to capacity, which really says a lot about how many people loved and admired Ward.  To come out on a hot summer day, on a workday, and to be willing to endure the heat and humidity is a true testament to everyone’s feelings for him.

The service itself was lovely.  The music was meaningful and uplifting; the speakers were profound, emotional and, at times, funny; and the Bible readings and prayers helped to remind us of God’s comfort and care.

There was a reception after the service with a lot of food and pitcher after pitcher after pitcher of cold drinks (lemonade, tea and water).  It seemed that people were more interested in the cold drinks than in the food.  But most of the food was eaten and what was left was sent home with the family so that they wouldn’t have to prepare lunch tomorrow.  I had mentioned to my boss earlier today that I had spent yesterday baking cookies for the reception.  He seemed surprised that we would serve food at a funeral.  I pointed out that is one thing Lutherans do best…feed people.

One final note on Ward: the pastor said in his homily that he imagined that Ward and his son Peter (who died seven years ago of a brain tumor) are probably off fishing somewhere in heaven surrounded by mountains and by a clear beautiful pond, pulling out rainbow trout one after the other.  It was a comforting picture to think about. Life goes on and although we are separated from our loved ones for a while, someday we will be united in heaven and will be able to spend eternity with each other doing what we each love to do.  I hope that thought brings comfort to Ward’s friends and family and help to ease their grief.