Monday we spent an hour or so sitting with many friends and relatives of a family who'd just laid to rest their grandfather, dad and husband. For many years they were part of our cul-de-sac family . . . one of the families we have shared memories with of school functions, street hockey and car pooling.
While waiting, I read his life story, ending with being diagnosed with ALS on December 2, 2011 and passing away on June 2, 2012. I got tears in my eyes. Six months to the day!
What would I do if I knew I had six months? It is something to contemplate. Something we do not take time for on a day to day basis. Why is it a memorial service that forces us to stop and look possible realities in the face?
Of course, it's hard to know what I would do. Would denial take over? Would I take in all the life I could or would I waste away pining? Some of my feelings would depend on physical limitations. All I can say is what I think I would want to do . . . besides organizing my underwear drawer . . . at least some reflections.
I think I would continue to work on leaving behind a bank of good memories for loved ones to treasure. I think I would continue to work on photos and recipes for a possible future cookbook. I would go on lots of dates with my H.
I think I'd want him to retire . . . and oh, how I'd want to pour love into my kids and grandkids! I would definitely read up more about the place I'm going and I'd want to let those around me know of the hope I have . . . the assurance that life is not just about the here and now. Jesus said, "I am going to prepare a place for you . . . that you may be where I am." (John 14: 2-3) Why . . . I might even stop total strangers and tell them, "I am dying, but I know where I'm going. Do you?" What would I have to lose?
I think I would continue to work on leaving behind a bank of good memories for loved ones to treasure. I think I would continue to work on photos and recipes for a possible future cookbook. I would go on lots of dates with my H.
I think I'd want him to retire . . . and oh, how I'd want to pour love into my kids and grandkids! I would definitely read up more about the place I'm going and I'd want to let those around me know of the hope I have . . . the assurance that life is not just about the here and now. Jesus said, "I am going to prepare a place for you . . . that you may be where I am." (John 14: 2-3) Why . . . I might even stop total strangers and tell them, "I am dying, but I know where I'm going. Do you?" What would I have to lose?
Those were just some of my thoughts . . .
and yet, I realize I'm taking a chance here at sounding trite. I really do not know. It's good not to know . . . but good to think about it sometimes and ask if we are on the right track. Every day is a precious gift. I do not want to forget that.
and yet, I realize I'm taking a chance here at sounding trite. I really do not know. It's good not to know . . . but good to think about it sometimes and ask if we are on the right track. Every day is a precious gift. I do not want to forget that.
12 comments:
Thank you for putting life into perspective. I like what you said about stopping people and telling them of your hope. I don't think you sounded trite at all . . . just honest and reflective. In our busyness we all need look at our lives "with eternity's values in view."
So sorry about the loss in the family of your neighbors. May God hold them close.
You have your life in order, Anneliese. Thank you for reminding us to think of these things. I too, would want to give my time and love to family and of course (organize my underwear drawer :) I should tell more people about the hope that Christ brings, but I find it hard to talk to strangers. Thank you for your thoughtful post. Helen
I know what you mean. Just last Saturday we were at the memorial service of a friend who had died after a 2 week illness. We sat next to him and his wife a month ago at a meeting and had no idea that it was to be our last visit. The memorial service was powerful because the character of his life was so excellent; it was very motivating to live well with the time we have.
A good friend was told that she only had a few months and she did exactly what you said...spent lots of time with her hubby, kids and telling total strangers all about heaven! Thanks for making us stop and think.
i like this post Anneliese. It is so honest and so true about you. I would expect that if allowed you would keep doing what you love until God would call you home. It is a treasure beyond anything else to have hope.
I'm sorry to hear about this loss. A friend's mother died of ALS recently. It is a very unkind disease. Oh to think that one day there might be cures for some of these horrible diseases that afflict us. Until then, I'm holding onto hope too!
Thank you for your honest reflections in this post Anneliese. Such an encouragement to me. I hope that I can be graceful like that if and when the time comes. For now I know that I need to "clean out and organize" some of my life's drawers!
It's not trite at all. You wouldn't change much if you knew your time was short, which means that you are living well in the present.
Thank you for sharing your reflections on life and death! I know I did the same when my uncle died suddenly in an accident last fall. It's good for us to have a reality check once in a while.
I love when I read things that make me stop and reflect. You did a good job in sharing your heart and your reflections. Life is short and moments are so important to live. Thanks for the reminders.
So true, Anneliese...that it's good to take stock on occasion. Are we doing the important things?
Thanks Anneliese. Life is so precious.
Sonya
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