Thursday, February 18, 2016
Although not my only memory of Chris, the one that fills my heart with warmth. At the age of 12, having returned to live with my mom after spending 4 years with my father, I was a lost pre-teen, feeling no one had a place for me. Chris made me feel special. I was not his son; just the son of a fellow church member. But he went out of his way to make me feel I mattered. One example was the drive to Wisconsin Dells. He had a van full of people, but he reserved a special place at the front, making me his 'navigator'. A small gesture it seems, but for me it made a world of a difference.
From 'The Good Book' by A.C. Grayling..:
Consolations Chap 4...
1. I am grieved to hear that he is dead whom you loved, but I would not have you sorrow more than is fitting.
2. That you should not mourn at all I shall hardly dare insist; and yet I know that is the better way; for he is at peace, safe from any further harms,
3. And you and his other friends will cherish the best memories of him, and speak of him, thus making him part of life still.
9. But what would your friend say to you, if he could? That he welcomes the love for him you thus show, but that he does not wish you to suffer too much or too long.
10. He will say, let the time not be distant that you put off the soothing of every regret, the quieting of even the bitterest grief.
Sages Chap 1
20. At fifteen, I aspired to learning.
21. At thirty, I established my stand.
22. At forty, I had no illusions.
23. At fifty, I knew my destiny.
24. At sixty, I recognized truth when it came.
25. At seventy, I could follow my heart's wishes without wrongdoing.
Rest in peace my friend, and hero of my youth.
