March 18, 2008
Recently, I read about several persons who, in their 70’s and 80’s and with terminal cancer, were running marathons and leading food drives and doing other remarkable and intrepid deeds to the awe and admiration of the writers of the articles. It freezes the brain to think about such folk when simple living seems quite enough, however, I did have these in mind when I determined to go to Chicago last week to help celebrate daughter Janna’s birthday and to go to a school choir concert in which the twins were participating. Heidi agreed to do the driving, and we went the 600 plus miles accompanied by Zoie and Kira. We left on Wednesday, celebrated on Thursday and Friday, and returned on Saturday. The adventure provided moments which will join memory’s archives filed under “grand” though nothing is as easy as one might wish it to be. Since returning home, no marathons or glory things. . . indeed, there is much to be said about sitting in the sun and watching spring’s slow arrival.
The intestinal difficulties are ever present and a number of you gave me great encouragement in going forward with the colonoscopy – I am actually looking forward to having a diagnosis and hopefully a therapy to deal with the current physical state. Today’s blood readings indicate a slow slide downward though I am still above the line that will trigger a return to where we stand at the oncologist’s door and say, “Do something!”
Children bearing palms ushered in Holy Week on Sunday, beginning a time of remembering the central teachings and beliefs of the Christian church concerning Christ’s redemptive sacrifice for humanity. Maundy Thursday’s commemoration of Christ’s last supper, Good Friday’s somber remembrance of Christ’s crucifixion, and Easter’s grand celebration of his triumph over death as dawn light reveals an empty tomb are celebrated around the world. This has gone on for centuries as the faithful remember anew the miracle that connects earthly existence with eternal life. We will be a part of it, too; Charles will play the music and I will stand with the congregation. On Easter morning we will say with delight, “Christ is risen!” and “He is risen indeed!” To LIFE, and a Happy Easter to all.