Fast Eddy

My sons would chide me for thinking and writing about death. Two posts in a row on the subject of death is unusual, but this has been that kind of a week. I learned when I made one of my regular trips to the gym that an older gentleman I often saw there had died of a heart attack. Edward, one of the trainers, told me. He described this individual, and I knew immediately who he meant. Edward said he called him "Fast Eddy." I did not know Fast Eddy well. In fact I still don't know his real name, though I did talk with him one day about his career as a railroad conductor. After that, we greeted each other regularly. The gym is that kind of a community, and his passing cast a shadow over us all this week.

Fast Eddy was one of my heroes because of his courage and tenacity. I learned the first time I saw him that he was recovering from a stroke when I listened to others greet him. He walked slowly with a cane into the gym that day and was received with warmth and encouragement. Sometime later, after an extended absence, he returned following yet another stroke, moving even more slowly. But he still continued to come and to use the weight machines. Now I know I will not see him again, and there's a tiny hole in my heart. It seems strange to grieve someone I did not know well, but it is a timely reminder of our connection with one another. None of us will ever really know how much of an impact we have on the lives of those we encounter in this life. We are each uniquely important to each other and to God.

Grace and Peace,
Donna Sue

Going Home

I knew it had been some time since I last posted to this blog, but I did not realize how long it had been. Life has been good, but busy with lots of extra church work of late. Now that our new pastor has arrived, my life has slowed down a bit. I have been thinking this week about the funeral of a neighbor I attended a few days ago. It was a sad, but also a joyous occasion--the most joyful funeral I've ever experienced. Helen had moved in next door with her son and daughter-in-law a few years ago when her health deteriorated. I did not know her well, though I saw her often out walking their little dog. We rarely stopped to talk, however, as her dog did not like our two big ones. What I remember, is that she always had a sweet smile and a warm greeting each time we met. If life was getting her down, it was not apparent, even recently after her health had became so bad that she had to walk with an aide.

I learned more about Helen at the funeral, which was a celebration of her life with much laughter amid the tears. She had been a nurse for many years, and her huge extended family expressed their gratitude for her love and care. I think the story that told me the most about her, however, was the one her pastor related about a baseball game in which she participated just a couple of years ago when she was 81. She hit the ball and slid into second base and eventually scored. He said he had to stop her from climbing over the fence to retrieve a fly ball that went awry. What an amazing lady!

I do not know how much longer I will have of this life I love, but I hope that I too will be able to slide into second base and make it home at the very end. I also hope that my family and friends will remember me after I'm gone with as much love and genuine affection as I heard expressed by Helen's family and friends. Her funeral was a testament to a full life of love and service to God. I'm glad to have known Helen, and I am grateful she has made it home at last.

Grace and Peace,
Donna Sue