Dear Reader:

After discovering that my brother David died on the same day of the month as Kaitlyn’s sister, Amanda, (March 4)  I got interested in pulling out an old scrapbook…filled with tributes to him like kind notes, cards, letters, and a copy of the memorial service in it. I was putting it away when another stapled paper fell out.

This was something I had never seen. It was written by Dr. Randall T. Ruble, the College Chaplain at Erskine College in 1973. At the weekly required chapel sessions on Tuesdays the chaplain had used this time to talk about David’s passing. It was dated March 6, 1973… two days following David’s death and the day after his funeral. (This is just a short excerpt from the original speech)

Scores of Erskine students attended David’s funeral and the chaplain commented on this fact…attesting it to David’s integrity, popularity, and his quiet demeanor…a gentle soul who “quickly made friends and gained the affection of his peers and respect of all his professors.” Chaplain Ruble quoted many lines of scripture (many of the psalmists) on the brevity of  life.

…But then he told a story about an ancient king and his quest for finality.

“Because life and human history are in a constant state of change, it is difficult for us to lay hold of that which is permanent and which can make the quality of our lives worthwhile.

This difficulty was experienced by an ancient king, who, perplexed by the changing character of life, summoned to his side the wisest men of his kingdom.

“I charge you to discover for me a statement about life which will never have to be revised or changed. After more than a year of hard thinking, those wise men came up with this statement: “All things come to an end.”  

Chaplain Ruble continued:  “All,” I would add, “except God.” Before the mountains were brought forth, He was there. Though the hills be made low and all created things should pass away, He will continue to be there. More to the point, life, though it occupies but a short span of time, can be meaningful and productive if it is firmly rooted in God himself.”

...”Or to put it another way, God alone is the answer to the mystery of life and death. Because this is so, we can give thanks to Him for the life we shared on this campus and elsewhere with David Barbour. Let us bow in prayer.” 

So teach me, Lord, to number my days, so that I might grow in wisdom, so that I might live each day in the best possible way. To you be all the glory! Amen.

…………………………….

It is only when we can release ourselves from the chains and restrictions of chronological time that we can begin to understand the significance of every moment we breathe life in and out of our bodies.

These days this epiphany is not as apparent in the mirror as it is in watching the grandchildren grow. Each opportunity and moment to observe their life growing up is one that will never be repeated. Today I look for bits and pieces of my beloved brother in my children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and their children. Now and then I catch a glimpse of David’s quiet observation in the room or his gentle smile. He still lives in our hearts and memories.

So until tomorrow:

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

* Saturday and Sunday I got to share moments with all the grandchildren. First I kept Rutledge and Lachlan from noon to 4.

And then I headed over to John and Mandy’s to keep Eva Cate and Rutledge…ended up with some help (Tommy and Kaitlyn) a.k.a. dance instructors who kept the kids dancing until bedtime. Thanks gang.

And Eva Cate will always remember her climatic moment from “Dirty Dancing” soaring over Tommy shoulders…”You can’t put Baby in the corner.”

*

Wax Lips: You can’t beat this deal…fake lips at the Dollar General buys your grandchildren a lot of giggles for a buck!