Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Loss of a Friend

Today we go to a funeral for an old friend. Suddenly, the joys of Christmas, family laughter and future dreams fade with the passing of a husband, a father and a grandfather. Plans for the new year are lost in sadness and in sorrow.


We are thinking of those many folks for whom hearts are heavy at this time of year. May we hold dear, precious memories of our loved ones.

Walt Witman's words serve as a reminder:


"Thanks in old age ~ thanks ere I go,
For health, the midday sun, the impalpable air ~ for life, mere life,
For precious ever-lingering
memories, (of you my mother dear ~ you,
father ~ you, brothers, sisters, friends.)
For all my days..."