Good-bye

Our move is upon us. My computer left Tuesday and the rest of our belongings Friday. Our house echos.

Today was our last day at church. I knew I would cry through the whole service. Of course, I did. We went forward while the chaplain gave us a parting gift (a picture of the chapel) and prayed over us. I had a few minutes to say something to my brothers and sisters sitting before me. Because I mangled it a bit, I just want to say a few words here.

John Smith lost his wife to cancer a few years ago. After the grieving and tears subsided a bit, he realized that his beloved wife was truly a gift from God. And there is only one appropriate response to a gift. That is thank you.

During church this morning, I could get that part out. It was the next that I choked up on. I thank God for the gift of this church. I thank God for the time here. I thank God for each face I saw before me this morning, and for all friends who have already gone before me. I thank God for the people who have been instrumental in my boys' lives...Brian Hershey, Nick Harrold, Paul Riley and Corey. I thank God for two Spirit-led chaplains who have preached the Word of God from this pulpit.

And I thank each of you as well. Especially you women. Here I have to end, because I'm sitting at the library typing this. The girl next to me is starting to wonder why I'm crying.

Good-bye and may God bless each of you.

Kaye