Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Coming to Ground

 
 
 
 
Coming to Ground
(by R.P.Edwards)

Coming to ground
Emptied of “things”
Puffed up distractions, have all taken wings
Gone with your dying
Our trivial tome
Yes
We’re coming to ground
As you travel…home



Four heads bowed…and mournful weeping.  Four hearts raw and rent…and lowered to earth.  Four delicate petals surrounding the center; the remains of a father, husband, leader, friend.  He…has died.  And we; lonely we…are the less.

My father-in-law passed away a few days ago.  The call came at the midnight toll and, before we got there; before my wife had another chance to look into her “daddy’s” eyes…he was gone.  And, as I stood back--before the influx of the many (though it was so late)--I saw she and her two sisters, and their precious mother, bow their heads and express with tender tears that for which words are without strength.

Now, I usually reserve this space for less personal observations.  But I, with your indulgence (and as we are still in the process of release) would like, for just a moment, to honor the man who was so much to so many. His name is Russell Edwards (I write “is” because he still “is”. Death is but a door). A rather intimidating figure when we first met (as he was well over six foot and I, barely there).  And, as I remember it, he was more than a match for me and my navy buddies who sought, on one occasion, to test his mettle. And, though he was a bit of a bear on the outside, when love needed to be shown…his mushy middle was exposed.  And, perhaps the greatest expression of this (relating to me and mine) was when, at a very difficult and dark time, he offered his home to be shared by my family of four.  No conditions. No limits or lease.  Just…come. 

So, Russell Lee Edwards, till we meet again.  You have traveled on; but your gifts…continue.

_____

“Coming to ground.”  Getting to that place where only the essential…is essential.  It seems to me, through the many difficulties that have and are coming upon our land, that we, as a nation, are coming to ground.  Coming to that place where the foundation…is laid bare.  How much better it would be; yes, how much better if we actually “sought” that barren spot which demands renewal and restoration, rather than to be forced, kicking and screaming, to lay aside our consuming toys and trivialities.

****

4 comments:

David Walker said...

So sorry for your loss. We pray for his mercy and healing grace for your family. May light perpetual shine upon him.

The Layoff Letters said...

Thanks David. Much appreciated...

Leona Salazar said...

Your father-in-law sounds like a wonderful man. May you and your family find peace and comfort in these difficult times.

The Layoff Letters said...

Leona, thank you for your kind words. God Bless...