Chaplain George A. Burn on thoughts for one who is dying

Courageously Facing Death

My thoughts for James Lauck, a friend who is dying, but who is courageously facing his own death.

Amidst the weather bleak and cold,
he wraps his garment about him
and sets his face toward the impending sunset.
Another day is gone.

It is heroic to walk alone into the night,
to break free from clinging arms and forlorn faces
from those who seek, against the odds, to hold back the darkness;
from those who would choose to have the journeyman stay longer.

But another beckoning voice calls him on.

It is his gift to us that he can face the unknown
bravely and to name the fear.
It permits those who gather for the leavetaking...space......
for truth,
for blessings and thanksgiving,
for laughter and for tears.

At twilight's amber glow, he turns into the shadows.
We wave farewell. His silhouette fades. The shadows lengthen.
And then he is gone. We turn and leave in darkness.

We surrender to the sense of absence and embrace our memories that provide warmth against the chill. The bleakness of early night reminds us only that day is past.

But the stars will not be silent. A billion lights illuminate the way for another saint. Kindred spirits point toward the place in eternity where he will dwell affixed among the galaxies. He is at home in the vast abyss, a child of eternity.

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