We just came from St. Barnabas Hospital. We got a call earlier today that our good friend Ethel was in a coma and was slipping. She might die before I finish writing this, or tonight, or tomorrow... it will be soon.
My wife Judy and I spent some time with her husband Julie and their grown daughter and son. As we talked, Ethel lay in bed laboring for each breath. Many memories. She came to work with me at the Counseling Center in 1975. A great support. When there was a problem, she had the positive solution. When a meeting got tense, she was the easing humor. We watched their kids grow , marry and become parents. We watched her husband's medical practice grow. Many memories.
The Bible tells us there is a time to forget, but I think there is also a time to remember. I am sorry that it has taken her serious illness to reawaken these memories. But that is often the way it is.
Can we take some time to shut off the whatever and in silence REMEMBER. The deep meaning of today is often found in the rich, but neglected, memories deep within each of us. If I may take a liberty with Ecclesiastes: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to forget and a time to remember. |