Another death of one of our Bread of Life Cafe attenders. This family has come faithfully every Wednesday for years. We only knew them by first names, but I’ll call them Dad, who was rather chunky, Mom, quite tiny and bird-like, and Daughter, built like her dad and always wearing a knit cap. Dad died in … [Read more…]
Ron Brown. Ordinary name, extraordinary gentleman. We first met Ron when he came to the free community meal at our church on the west side of Cincinnati. He and his sister Joan came every week, “holding court” at the same table each time. We loved talking with them and Ron loved to tease Steve and … [Read more…]
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gained an understanding of the value of the “visitation” time with a bereaved family. I love just standing around talking about the loved one who is no longer with us. Sometimes in daily life people avoid talking about the person–I guess in fear of bringing up sad memories–but for most … [Read more…]
My drive through the snow this morning (yes, heavy snow falling on March 25!), reminded me of all the times I drove through snow to meet Betty. (Neither our small city school system nor Betty took “snow days.”) Betty cleaned our house regularly for 27 years. She became not an employee but a trusted friend, … [Read more…]
My mother has been dead for over two years, but today during church I was struck suddenly with the loss of her presence, her wisdom, her humor. Steve preached on the afterlife, and my reaction had nothing to do with that. I listened, making application only to myself without lingering on our loved ones who … [Read more…]
