It has been over a month since our last update to this blog. In that time we found out my dad’s cancer had returned, learned that there was nothing more that could be done to treat it, partied with him, said goodbye, and sat with him as he died. In the two weeks since he passed we’ve planned the funeral, enjoyed Thanksgiving, and begun sorting through all his stuff. This has probably been the most intense month of my life and while it may have seemed dark at times, really it was a time of light and beauty.
When the end comes and there is nothing else to do what do you do? My dad chose to laugh, cry, tell stories, hang out with friends and family, and watch slides and videos. He went over all his passwords, told us where was the best spot to plant the lettuce, and gave away his unopened socks and contact lens solution. Dad had heart to hearts with mom, sister, and I. He hugged his granddaughter and made sure he left her a legacy of love. And this was beautiful and totally consistent with who he was his entire life. Dad always lived love. He made mistakes to be sure, but he tried to be a person of peace and light in all the ways he could. My dad accepted his death peacefully partially because he lived like he really meant it. He took time to play, he worked hard, he forgave and asked for forgiveness.
We are all building something every day wether it be a new church start, a legacy, or a life. Some days we fall short of what we would want to be or have the potential to do, yet the beautiful thing is we most often get another chance to try for our best. As we settle back in to our new start work I’m focusing on the moment and what I can do here and now to live the best life possible. I know this means a life filled with light in the darkness and love in all things. When we all live like this we really can build something beautiful for God.
Holding on to light and love
-Eilidh
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