Gateway Covenant Church had a visitor one Sunday. He was biking up 15th Avenue East from his home on River Street and he said he'd bike as far as he could go and wherever he stopped, he'd go to the closest church. Gateway is as far as he could make it. He'd been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and was struggling with energy and everything else that goes along with cancer.
So, that's where he stopped. 15th and 15th East. He brought his bike into the front foyer and made himself right at home...in the building....and in everyone's life, too. He brought his wife, Kathy, the following week and they've been a part of Gateway since that day....around two years ago now, I think.
There were good days and very bad days throughout that time period. But Ernie never gave up and he would be an encouragement to everyone just seeing him dig in and make the best of things. He helped folks out with construction projects on his good days. On his bad days, he would watch. He had been in the construction business and was one of the finest builders around!!! His lovely home is evidence of that....made with love and perfection and detail. It's just how Ernie was.
Dying is such a serious business, isn't it? It means getting ready for an event that we don't particularly like attending. But it is a sure thing! Ernie was ready to go. When Ken and I were sitting at their home yesterday while Kathy did some out-of-the-house work, we knew the time would be soon but we didn't think it would be quite this soon. Before we left, I took the opportunity to pray for Kathy and Ernie and their sons, for God to be very present and for his mercy to be shown to Ernie in these days. How quickly that prayer was answered!
It's difficult leaving someone we love, but knowing their spirit has gone to a place that is so much better than what we have here....well, that's just a good feeling....to really know that.
The celebration of Ernie's life will be on Monday, May 30 at Gateway Covenant church.
Ernie readying himself for his bike ride home from church on a good day...
after a chat with Bob, of course.
A thankful hug for a church friend...even on a bad day.
The family will grieve. Gateway family will be a part of that grieving. We share those difficult experiences of life together.....even death....especially death.
Peace to Ernie's memory. He will be missed....
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing that. True words, as well. Death is not easy to fully face. I'm thankful you're able and willing to support his family in their grieving.
I guess it's just what families do...help each other out....when they are able:)
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