Home For Easter

When children lose a parent, no matter when, it is tremendously sad. At a holiday, especially one that we think of as a special time for children, one that by its very origin means new life, it seems especially cruel. We cannot help but think forward to future holidays that will be forever linked with a painful loss.

And yet, could there be a more meaningful or powerful time of year in the Christian faith for a loved one to die? Can the daily changing landscape of new life remind us of the continuity of life, our lives, our rebirth? Is there a measure of solace to be found in the Easter Story?

This Easter, we know of three small children who lost their Dad. Only forty-four, he had seemed to be healthy, until he died on Thursday. His wife had to plan a funeral for Easter Monday.

Upon reflection, this story is too frequently told in our newspapers and on the evening news; it just really hits home when it is someone you know personally. Such as...

• my friend, who was a Dad out for an evening run at age 38; he was found by a neighbor, the week before Christmas. He left a wife with three small daughters.
• my friend and former co-worker, a Dad in his forties, at home with his teenaged son, who started CPR to no avail. He left a wife with a teenaged daughter and son.

And now, another friend with whom I worked, who always glowed with stories of his two sons and then their young daughter. The soldier, Boy Scout Leader, active church volunteer, loving husband, responsible employee....and Dad. We hope that his family will find comfort and reassurance in the Easter Story, this year and every year.

We will miss you, Brian.

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