A Privileged Life

Another outstanding post by Brian (An Audience of One) on “The Business of Death.”

Brian’s father passed away a week ago today. Brian has written several recent posts about dealing with his dad’s failing health and subsequent death, beginning with his Feb. 21, 2006, entry, “The E.R.” During the last two weeks Brian has walked us through many of the unhappy but inevitable steps of losing a parent. You know, there’s 78 million of us Baby Boomers out there, and we will all share these experiences, sooner or later. Brian’s posts provide us a good opportunity to spend some time thinking about what we will do when it is our turn.

Brian has written posts titled “Old Grudges,” “D.N.R.,” “Redemption?” (estranged relatives), “Rest In Peace,” and “It’s Time” (planning the funeral). Don’t miss “My Eulogy to My Father,” which could be subtitled, “A Privileged Life.” Brian’s father was obviously a remarkable man, and undoubtedly a remarkable father.

I especially liked Brian’s most recent post, “The Business of Death,” about dealing with the funeral home. Brian has a knack for writing about life’s most dramatic events in a straightforward, often poignant, seldom maudlin way. In this case, even while literally in the valley of the shadow of death, Brian is able to find some humor in the situation.

Brian, I know from what you have written that your father is a Christian. I would like to share a verse that you may have already looked at several times in the last few days.

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him…Therefore encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18).

One of the great joys of being a Christian is not just knowing that we are ready for our own death, when it comes, but knowing that we will be reunited one day with “those who have fallen asleep in Christ.” Brian, that includes your dad, my mom, and all of the Christian parents and grandparents who taught us the way, and then blazed the trail.