Legacies of Faithfulness

This furlough, we have been surrounded by legacies of faithfulness.

On the one hand, uniquely so because of our constant connection with the Christian retirement community where my parents reside. Once while sharing with Silas the homegoing of someone he had come to know there, we considered how their community was like the waiting room of a doctor's office. Waiting for Heaven - and the Great Physician, God Himself.

Many who live there as their final earthly home spent lifetimes in Christian service. Some share their stories of ministry readily and often, which are a joy and challenge to hear. Others simply continue living lives of quiet and joyful service to those around them. For us "neighbor Nancy" was one of the latter. Her apartment door and my parents' were side by side. Shortly before our dad moved into Healthcare, she was widowed after 72 years of loving marriage. Looking back, we see that even then God was preparing Mom for what would become her new reality as she accompanied Nancy on many visits to her husband in the same wing and across the hall from where Dad would eventually reside.

When Mom - married since age nineteen - began to live alone for the first time in her life, it was Nancy who regularly knocked at her door in the evening to make sure she was doing okay. They shared lunch most days in the cafeteria with a group of sweet friends. Originally Dad, too, was there along with his dear buddy Jack who kept the laughter flowing with his quips and banter. But Dad was sidelined in October and Jack graduated in December to his heavenly home, leaving only the ladies to carry on. And if Nancy was there, they did carry on! Her quick wit at age 93 was astounding and her eyes would twinkle as she teased.

As my travels crisscrossed between Michigan and Pennsylvania, she was always eager to know details because Michigan had been her husband's birthplace and their home for many years. She constantly affirmed my care for Mom by making these visits, and I was so humbled on an occasion she gifted me words of her poetic encouragement and gas money to help along the way. Another time, she thoughtfully gave Silas a lovely wooden car that he treasures as being from her.

It wasn't until listening to a recording of her memorial service, however, that I realized we shared the most beautiful commonality of all. Her beloved children, like most of ours, were God's blessings through adoption. And perhaps because just like we don't often think of ourselves as an "adoptive" family but simply a "family," she had never mentioned this to me in our conversations. Yet what a profound encouragement it was to hear the stories of her grandchildren and children bearing witness to her loving commitment first and foremost to her family. Such a legacy of faithfulness!

This morning, we learned of another heavenly homegoing that touched our family deeply. 

We had in fact been praying continually and preparing for the news, but nonetheless the knowledge that a dear family friend no longer walks this earth and his faithful life companion is left alone grieves us, though not as those who have no hope. We feel for Pedro's parents, for their friendship comprised many, many years and shared memories from young married life into retirement. The blessing of their friendship spilled over to us, for which we will be forever grateful. We, too, created unforgettable memories as recipients of gracious hospitality and committed encouragement for as long as my husband can remember and since we have been together. In fact, it was in their home I first met my future in-laws and was subjected to embarrassing questions for the (good-natured) amusement of all!

There are many wonderful qualities I will remember about Mr. Anthony. His work ethic was unequaled. His love for Michigan (particularly U of M) was legendary. His photography was a gift to many. His dry humor could keep you guessing if he was joking or not! The longevity and commitment of his marriage relationship and friendship with his wife was a testimony. The breadth of his generosity, mostly behind the scenes, is likely only known to God. He loved and was so proud of his family. On our last visit less than two weeks ago, even amidst physical discomfort he spoke glowingly of his two granddaughters who were earning their doctorates.

This year on furlough, I was especially touched by Mr. Anthony's warmth toward us. We've always appreciated his friendship yet I didn't consider him necessarily an affectionate type of guy. But he would usually greet me with a hug and I remember one Sunday when I asked how he was doing, he replied, "Much better now that I've seen you!" I will always remember that with a smile.

Above all, what I will forever admire is his life lived to the very end serving God in unwavering support of the local church. In our final conversation, he expressed with great emotion his admiration for our pastors. It didn't matter that they were young enough to be his sons. He nonetheless respected and supported their leadership role in word and in deed. His presence at the church was a given, and not only on Sundays or midweek gatherings. He shared his time and knowledge gleaned through years of experience in areas of accounting and added his wisdom to decision making. For decades upon decades, he faithfully invested in the local church and this is a legacy of faithfulness that can only be measured in eternity. His absence will be felt this side of Heaven, and he will be missed.