Originally, my husband and I looked forward to an
occasion that would allow us to spend time away from the farm this weekend. Plans were to drive
to Austin to attend a nephew’s wedding on Saturday evening. It will take place
in Austin which meant a half-day’s drive and overnight stay. We planned to
stay an extra night. That would allow us to spend time with a sister who
travels a lot but just happened to be visiting her daughter living in San
Antonio.
However on New Year’s Eve I received a phone call from this
same sister. She called to say their
son-in-law, who had serious medical problems, had died. So…instead of a fun
get-together we will be attending his memorial service on Sunday. The
possibility exists that I will remain after my husband returns home on Monday.
I’ve been busily completing obligations made for the coming
week, just in case. All the while I wonder about the irony of attending a
wedding one day and a funeral ceremony the next. It’s not often the stark
reality of life and death is so closely entwined. And I’ve been struggling with
that reality ever since I got the call.
I’ve lived enough years to have the death of family member or a friend or an acquaintance happen more and more. But this was a young man with
a young son and a loving wife. He should have had many more years to live. Although I’m not
certain of the age difference between the nephew and my sister’s son-in-law, I
would have to say they were probably within ten years difference in ages.
So, while one young man is taking a decisive step into the
future, another has ended his lifespan on earth and is now experiencing the
next stage of his existence.
Somber thoughts, I agree. I hope you will forgive me for
opening my heart in this way.
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