The lamplighter
My friend Wayne Turner died this week. I saw him on the day he died; he was chipper and friendly, the soul of kindness. In fact, I saw him in church and he was specifically called out from the pulpit for being a stalwart force for good in our lives. Yes, that's right, his minister commended him for his goodness in front of his friends on the day he died. Wow. I didn't put that together until just now.
Wayne had a good day at home. Another friend came over for a visit. Later in the afternoon or evening he had a heart attack and just died without regaining consciousness. That sweet man died at the age of 89 in full command of his wits, in his home, with his wife of 63 years at his side. Want a good death? That's what that looks like.
I'm sad I'm going to miss his funeral. But there will be no lack of people there. I wrote a note to his wife - longhand, on stationery. What I didn't say was that it's really hard to even grieve his loss because I'm just so *happy* for him!
The last thing I said to Wayne was, "Can I bring you anything?" He didn't get around as well as he used to, so people like me watched out for him. I'm glad I went over to him that day, even if for just a moment. My daughter just texted me asking for a postage stamp. She's sending a condolence note, too. This guy was something.
Wayne had a good day at home. Another friend came over for a visit. Later in the afternoon or evening he had a heart attack and just died without regaining consciousness. That sweet man died at the age of 89 in full command of his wits, in his home, with his wife of 63 years at his side. Want a good death? That's what that looks like.
I'm sad I'm going to miss his funeral. But there will be no lack of people there. I wrote a note to his wife - longhand, on stationery. What I didn't say was that it's really hard to even grieve his loss because I'm just so *happy* for him!
The last thing I said to Wayne was, "Can I bring you anything?" He didn't get around as well as he used to, so people like me watched out for him. I'm glad I went over to him that day, even if for just a moment. My daughter just texted me asking for a postage stamp. She's sending a condolence note, too. This guy was something.