Last Day

I would ask that the normal readers of this blog please indulge me today. The past week has been unusual and if I haven’t been responsive to your comments or questions I apologize. Last Wednesday, around supper time my momma passed away after battling Alzheimer’s for a number of years. It was appropriate that she died at supper time since my family spent so many hours enjoying each other’s company around momma’s supper table. Her death wasn’t unexpected, but the events that took place this weekend could not have been more surprising. I can honestly say that I have never been thru such a sad event and come away so inspired and challenged. We held a viewing on Saturday night and if it would been anywhere else besides the funeral home, you would thought we were having a party. It was loud with people laughing heartily and at the same time people quietly shedding a tear. I guess to outsiders it would have appeared disrespectful, but in truth nothing could been more respectful. Family and friends came from all over the country to pay their respects to a lady they loved and admired. They told wonderful stories as only true friends can tell and it was heartening to see so many people express gratitude for having known my momma. After the viewing we had an impromptu dinner at a local Mexican restaurant and I’m sure the owners were convinced we were a wedding party. Somewhere along the way we went from mourners to celebrators of a wonderful life.

We held the funeral and graveside service on Sunday afternoon. I lost track of how many people spoke at the funeral, but one thing was clear, momma and daddy (I include both because no one who knew my folks could think of one without thinking of the other) had inspired a lot of people in their lifetime. My cousin Chris from Ga spoke of her legacy, many others spoke of her kindness and cheerfulness in all weathers, and my brother Rick spoke of the courage she had evoked in his life. I had never heard the preacher speak before, but he appeared to be truly moved by the eulogies given and I suspect gave one of his better sermons. I spoke for a few minutes and actually read part of a blog I wrote back in March. Some family and friends have asked for a copy of it and I decided to re-post it and a verse from Roman 8:28 that momma would often remind me of during tough times.

Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Everyday she lies trapped in a bed with a body that no longer functions and a mind that is at best sporadically conscious. An old man comes and visits her daily to feed her and ensure she’s being cared for in the respectful manner she deserves. He has loved her for more than fifty-five years now and his devotion to her has never wavered. Most folks would say she would be better off dead, but they do not witness the daily display of character and virtue portrayed by this old man and old woman. They live each day as if it’s the last, not in the grandiose fashion of going skydiving or some grand adventure, but rather they live it as the best human beings they can be right now. They realized long ago that everything and everyone will soon be forgotten and the greatest contribution they can make to the human race was to live a life of moderation, of courage to always do the right thing, of patience to deal with the hand that fate has dealt them, and above all else, service to their fellow human beings. Their reputation, status, careers, and wealth have never been their primary concern. They live each day like a rock unmoved by the crashing waves or calm waters, their character is always the same, above reproach.

So long momma, and thank you for the challenge and inspiration to live everyday as if it were the Last. Little "P"

24 June 09
Wednesday
Warm-up
30 Double unders
30 20 inch box jumps

WOD
Power Clean
5 reps, 4 reps, 3 reps, 2 reps, 1 rep (go for a PR today)

For time:
400 meter run
5 x Deadlift 275lbs men/195lbs women
10 x Burpee (jump, but no push up)

Finish with 10 minutes of stretching.