It
hit me today as I was sitting in another memorial service for one of my friends
that in the last nine months I’ve lost five faithful men in my life. Some I
knew well and some not so well, but boy did they leave an impact at the times
they bolstered me up and were there. I also thought of my brothers as the words
said about this unique man, my friend at church, was also echoes so familiar of
the men in my life I’ve lost as they were all of this strain of the faithful
and faith filled men.
I
have wept most of the day away missing them.
So,
this poem is for Nolan, whose
memorial was today, and he was my friend at church for twenty-two years. I
started this thinking of him and then it broadened out as this is also for Deems, who is having his memorial next
week, and was a theatre mentor for me when I got to Seattle in 1994 and
remained a friend I could always call. His jolly laughter is ringing in my ears
still.
This
is for my Dad, who I miss, as he was
just buried three weeks ago. He was a small town doctor and he showed up day or
night at any hour for all kinds of people. When I think back, he did show up
for me a few unexpected times also, to make sure his baby was being treated
right. He was a good man.
This
is for Henry, the neighborhood Dad,
as I was growing up and always made time for me and went on in February. I have
memories of fond talks with that quiet, funny man.
This
is for Wes, another theatre Dad, who
had a cheery disposition and corny smile on and off stage plus gave great
hugs---he went on this fall.
And
it is National Sibling Day---for my faithful brothers Tom, that teased me something awful, but I loved sparring with and he
has been gone nearly ten years now, and David,
who will have been gone four soon, who was always there with some gentle graces
and now is not.
And
these men made me think of my adopted grandfather, “Uncle Wils”, whose kindness shaped me so much into who I am today.
Even though he’s been gone for twenty years now, I often think of him,
especially when someone uses the words faithful about someone else---he always
leaps to mind.
Bear
with the sentimentality about these wonderful men I was so privileged to know,
even for just a little while. To the men that have gone before me….
Team Faithful Sliding Home
What
a rare thing
Praise
for the faithful
For
the one who shows up
No
matter what
Rain,
wind, ice, snow,
Sleet,
hail, or threatened tornado,
He
was there
He
came and was in each group
Occupying
a space
In
the loop
A
strong link in the chain
In
our hearts he will remain
He
led not by shouting
Anyone
down
But
by checking on those
Who
sported a frown
He
cared for us all
When
we needed a job done
To
him we’d call
And
he’d come
No
matter the time
Or
where from
He’d
find a way
Or
would relay
Someone
to help
He
didn’t stall
He
was there
And
now he’s not
But
we are not all he’s got
His
Savior was his love
He’s
now with him above
We
are sure he has that spot
So
celebrate and dance
Joke
and laugh
Despite
this sudden advance
We
are glad
Our
friend
Is
home at last
Inspired
by today’s scripture readings from Zechariah and the sermon text of John 9:1-11
(and the sermon).
Nor By Strength of Men
Not
by might nor by power
We
are given
We
handed over
All
we are
To
be more
Than
what we
Think
we are
No
judgement
We
unload
Our
locker
Of
belittlement
To
melt away
The
crust
Unearthed
a soft
Newborn
exposed
To
the elements
Of
ordinary holiness
Seeing
what wasn’t
Now
is
To
become
What
can be?
In
clay pots
Spit
shined beyond clean
The
common essentials
Now
gold
To
unfold
An
uncommon life
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