Dying well

Dad’s funeral is over and the reality is beginning to set in. Of course it’s a rough time, but it would have been worse except for Dad’s faith-in-practice, which he demonstrated more during his last weeks than ever. For one example, he sent this email to his minister Dean Hammond on April 23, one day before his 66th birthday:

Hi Dean,

As you well know, I don’t know the outcome of this disease. In the event, however, that you officiate a memorial service for me, I would like the following to be read:

Mourn for me for a season for that is only natural. But, please, make it a short season. For I immensely enjoyed my life, I loved my family, friends, acquaintances and experiences. Also I’m now experiencing wonders you can’t even imagine. I’d like to leave you with something I read somewhere; seek to love God with all that you are. Having done that, learn to love yourself. After that, love others as you love yourself.

That’s it Dean. Because of the sensitive nature of this, I would prefer you treat this with all possible confidence…

Love,

Fred

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

May 17, 2007 · Filed Under Friends

Comments

2 Responses to “Dying well”

  1. Kris10lprs on May 18th, 2007 9:12 am

    Faith defined…

  2. Mike Zukowski on May 20th, 2007 1:50 pm

    What a wonderful tribute to your father-your sermon this morning at MorrisonHill. I only knew him through the discussion board at our website and did not know that he was your father until much later. What I admired so much was his wisdom. He had such a calming effect on what at times became a very heated discussion. I too am blessed to have had such a Godly father. Thank you for sharing.

Leave a Reply