Saturday in CinCity

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Three years ago, on December 3, a friend of mine died. It's described in his obituary as "died suddenly," but truth be told, he'd been dying a little everyday since his partner, Tom, left this earth.



I was working the afternoon I got the call about Ken; one of the nurses upstairs had heard the bad news and in a hospital bad news spreads quickly. Another nurse covered the rest of my shift, I ran home and changed clothes for the funeral.

The church was decorated for Christmas and lit with candles. Every pew was taken with family, friends, co-workers, ex-patients. The music was amazing, including a bagpiper whose sounds filled the space to the rafters. The minister broke down twice crying during the homily.

What I remember, though, everytime I think of Ken, or think I see him at the hospital, or on a neighborhood street, or at the local IGA, is the instruction the minister gave us. Ken's death came at the start of Advent, and while we were trying to wrap our brains around the emptiness and grief we felt, she instructed us to think of Ken at this and every Advent, to emulate his generosity and gifts to the community. She instucted us to "shine his light."

Ken did some amazing things in his lifetime, and through his kindness gave care to many who had been shunned and abandoned. He left a clear path of footsteps to follow.

So, Ken, just wanted to say I miss you. Blessed Advent right back at ya.

Comments

  1. vintage girl at heartDecember 5, 2009 at 7:27 AM

    Ken sounds like a wonderful soul who touched so many lives..what a beautiful memorial to him.

    ReplyDelete
  2. dsDecember 5, 2009 at 11:17 AM

    Such a lovely tribute to your friend. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The BugDecember 5, 2009 at 11:19 AM

    I wonder if this is the same Ken who went to my church (Church of Our Saviour). He died unexpectedly in NYC & his family has a memorial service at the beginning of advent each year - at the Sunday night Zen Mass...

    ReplyDelete
  4. debraDecember 5, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    People really do die from broken hearts, I think.
    We honor life by sharing the gifts which we have been given--and, as it has been said, the greatest of these is love.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownDecember 5, 2009 at 7:55 PM

    So very glad that you were willing to share this loss with us....loss, shared, seems to bring us all closer...thank you. Here's to Ken & Tom...smiles.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownDecember 6, 2009 at 6:35 AM

    Lovely tribute. So sad to lose our loved ones, but it seems more so at this time of year.

    ReplyDelete
  7. OwenDecember 6, 2009 at 11:27 AM

    Love the image of candles here, lights shining for departed souls...

    ReplyDelete
  8. RudeeDecember 6, 2009 at 5:31 PM

    What a beautiful post. May you find some comfort in your fond memories of this special man.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Annie CoeDecember 6, 2009 at 6:44 PM

    Lovely post for your friend. Big hugs and lots of love.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete

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Hey, thanks for your thoughts and your time:>)

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