The Beyond and the Before
Posted: Monday, November 13, 2006 by Travis Cody inI had an email this morning about our dear friend's father. You may have been following the story of a daughter struggling to care for her ailing father here at http://what-you-cant-see-is-me.blogspot.com/.
I can't imagine the anguish, not yet having to face the loss of a parent. I lost my grandmother many years ago, but was spared the final days of wasting away because of distance. Because we were so close, I felt it when she left, even though I was so far from her at the time.
I know many of you have faced a similar kind of loss recently, or may be struggling with it now. You can all offer more comfort than I can. All I have right now is my sympathy, my regret, and the ache in my heart for our friend.
Far into the future is a moment we cannot see
Beyond is a vastness we cannot know
Before is the life we must live
Intertwined are the beyond and before
Like a sunset blends with horizon's wave
Different as night from day
Yet without the one is the other pointless
All that begins shall soon end
And in ending begin afresh
I never ask this because it isn't in me. But I ask it now for our friend. Please, those of faith, lend your prayers to Diana and her father. Help her be strong for him. Help ease his passage. Help him go peacefully to a place free of pain and suffering. If you believe in such a place, please send your prayers to guide him there.
As always, you put into words what I cannot say.
Thank you.