Don

     A newcomer to our church, Don was a retired lawyer who actually told lawyer jokes. Some of them were even funny!  He was a faithful attendee to the 9:30 service on Thursdays (as well as the 8:00 service on Sundays) and as a result we became friends. We sat together at the Newcomer's Lunch and were part of the same listening session. I learned that he had trouble understanding some of the Apostle Paul's teachings and did feel that tithing had no biblical support. He was opinionated. He was also a bit of a mystery when it came to his life before White Rock and I was looking forward to getting to know him better and finding out more about his life. Unfortunately I did not get that chance. Don died in his apartment on Boxing Day. I suppose when you reach my age, you assume that you will experience more deaths. His was unexpected however and I was shaken. 
     Don had suffered through weeks in a neck brace after a fall. He was stoic and patient with the process though and I admired that about him. Another thing that I liked was that he would bring folks from his apartment building to church with him from time to time. Regardless of their faith background, he was happy to introduce them to us, his friends at church. At the last service I attended with him, Don informed me that he had gallstones and they were the cause of all his recent medical appointments. When standing up at the altar together for communion, he patted my arm and told me that he was happy to be there with me. It was such a kind moment!

     Sometimes we cannot understand when people we care for die when they do. We all die of course but the how and when is not of our choosing and therefore one of the mysteries of life. As a Christian I must believe that Don is in a better place. However I would have liked a little more time with him in this place.