Few people have lived as well, or as fully, as my grandfather. He was a husband, father, grandfather, friend, pastor, POW, scholar, theologian and all around amazing man. He was the one who taught me to fish, drink coffee, and play cribbage. He and my grandmother showed me what marriage should look like. Like his brother, Graff, my grandfather was a man of many talents and interests. There was so much brilliance, love, and joy in both of them. He was a man who could effortlessly dispense profound intellectual and theological insight while simultaneously filleting a boatload of fish. He personally built the canoe and rowboat in which I learned to paddle and fish. He shared his love of aviation with me and supported me during my discernment of a call to ministry. What I think that I most appreciate about my grandfather was the fact that he lived his life with such love. He shared that love with a family that changed shape many times. No matter who showed up, everyone was made to feel welcome. His sense of justice and inclusion was demonstrated each and every day. He exuded joy even in the most difficult of circumstances. I have never seen anyone so happy as he was at extended family gatherings. It was amazing to see him, listen to his stories, and to see the impact that he had on others. The last few years have been challenging for him. Losing my grandmother was devastating for him, just as the process of caring for her had been difficult. However, through it all, he has shown more grace and dignity than I knew was possible. I will forever cherish the times that I have been able to spend with him in the past year. Last year I was able to spend a week with him after his surgery, and then this summer where he and Lily got a chance to connect in a new way. On top of that were the holidays and phone calls we got to share. It was wonderful and bittersweet. Time was passing us by. He was declining a little more every time I saw him. Now we have to say goodbye. We knew it was coming, but the truth is that it is impossible to be ready. There is never enough time. At this moment, I give thanks to God for having had the privilege of being shaped by such an incredible individual. I also give thanks to my aunt Kate, my uncle Alan, and to my cousin Sarah for all the care that they have provided to my grandfather for the past few years. Their sacrifice and efforts allowed him to meet death on his own terms. It was an incredible journey, and I thank them for walking with him on the way. On a local level, I thank all my friends, colleagues, and parishioners for your words of condolences and outpouring of support. Right now Im in too much of a fog to properly respond, but please know that I appreciate it. It means more than you will ever know. Please keep us all in your prayers this week. I pray that God gives you all someone as special as Dean H. Williams in your own lives.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 00:44:34 +0000
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