Loss and Gain

This week has been full of strong emotions, silence, stories and tears. Nate's dad, Herb, passed from this life to the next on Tuesday, November 5th. Suddenly the illness and the difficulties of the last few years are over. We simply remember the way he used to be, the energy and drive he had, the love he gave.

I am finding it's true that the words, "I am so sorry for your loss" are immensely comforting.

Loss. It's a sad word. It means that there was something beautiful to lose.

For that we are grateful.

My husband and his mom agreed that Nate should build his dad's casket. There wasn't much time. It needed to be finished by this afternoon.

While he worked, he listened to "Love and War and the Sea in Between," Josh Garrels' most recent release. The music played loudly, the bandsaw growled along, and my talented husband blessed his father with a final gift.

Nate and Malachi

A father's love. "For he himself is our peace." (Eph. 2:14)

A son's love.

Hard-working hands, just like his dad's.

Grampa with two of his beloved grandchildren, June 2011.

I'll say this. Life is too short to waste on meanness. This week we've all been gentle with each other. It's been easy to be kind, even though we're tired and sad. The gentleness reminds us of Nate's dad. It's like a parting gift from him.

Here's an epic song. Perfect Christmas gift, by the way.