Monday, February 16, 2009

Gone for awhile


This past weekend during the L’Abri conference where both Denis and I participated as speakers, I received news of my dad’s death early Saturday morning. He suffered much during the last few months of his life and so his departure was that mixed blessing people speak of. He was my mother’s second husband, so my step-father…my father was someone I never knew - he was killed in a plane crash a few months before I was born. After me came five more children. It’s been a comfort to me that some of my siblings who live near Mom have been helping, loving, keeping vigil with her and Dad these many weeks. Years, actually, as it was eight years ago when he had a stroke that disabled him and took away his ability to speak, though not his thinking.

Today, Denis and I are preparing to leave on the 8 hour drive that will take us north almost to Canada where much of my family still lives.

Unaware of what it might mean to me, Denis threw me a heart line during his plenary session when he reminded us of Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings who, when he saw Gandalf after the last battle, asks in utter surprise and joy: “I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead myself! Is everything sad going to come untrue?”

Then, Denis quoted Tim Keller (I think.) who said: “The answer of Christianity to that question is – yes. Everything sad is going to come untrue and it will somehow be greater for having once been broken and lost.”

For my family who mourns this particular death, but for all who grieve, I pray God will give comfort. I look forward to that glorious time when Christ returns to regenerate and renew all things. Then perhaps, both my fathers will stand to bless me, my husband, my children, and grandchildren in a way they could not in this life.

8 comments:

Megan said...

Beautifully put, Margie. Those same quotes from both Sam Gamgee and Tim Keller pretty nearly brought me to tears that morning for many different reasons, but with the same effect.

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm still in awe over your intentional hospitality to me that evening. My time with you remains a serious highlight from the weekend.

I hope this week is one of grace and healing for you and your family.

Beckye said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Margie. I'll be praying for you and your family. May the Lord pour out His grace and comfort to you.

jenni said...

I, too, am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my constant thoughts and prayers, truly. Thank God that everything sad will be untrue. I pray His inexplicable peace and comfort for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Margie, We are so sorry for your loss. We're keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May the wonderful hope of the Gospel bring peace and comfort to your heart.

Unknown said...

Margie, We also are sorry for your loss. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May the hope of the Gospel bring peace and comfort to your heart.

The End of All Sorrows said...

M--
My sympathy to you and D. I read the latest copy of Toad Hall last night before I went to sleep and thought of you and your magnificent dream when I awoke in the night.

My father died suddenly in November. The great consolation is knowing where he is and that his days with us were always ordained by God. I know you also have that hope.

Grace and peace.

Travels said...

Oh Margie,

What a hard thing. I am sad for you and the family, even though understanding the relief and solace of witnessing his escape from Babylon.

I was going to let you know what a comfort the last Toad Hall has been with it's sermon from Calvin. I hope it comforts you too.

Praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful words.

I'm so sorry for your loss.