Sadnesses

There are many sadnesses involved in the life of a priest, but when I retired I thought that would be the end of them.

Yes, OK, definitely wishful thinking, and perhaps I knew that deep down inside.

On Saturday I was invited back to one of my previous parishes to baptise the great grandson of the the churchwarden there. It was a really happy occasion, but instead of going on to the christening party, Ed and I went back to one of other parishes because I’d been told that another churchwarden was dying.

I so wanted to see Joan before she died, so I called in on Saturday afternoon.

She was deeply unconscious so I don’t suppose she knew I was there, but at least I was able to stroke her forehead, murmur a prayer, and give her a farewell kiss.

Joan died this morning.

Also this morning, I had an email telling me that another old friend was in hospital, not expected to survive, and would like me to visit, so I trotted along to the hospital today.

Don is very ill and unable to eat. He has almost no energy, but his mind (at 90) is as sharp as ever, and we were able to have a few words and share a touch and a prayer. I don’t know whether I’ll ever see Don again.

He and Jenny have a wonderful love story. They met when Jenny was 12 and Don 14. Jenny was playing the piano at the Methodist Sunday School; Don had moved into the area with his parents, and it was love at first sight.

They married when Jenny was 18, and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in April.

Such lovely people – and there is a hole in my heart when people I love die.

Sadnesses, and becoming more frequent as the years roll by. So I must just give thanks for all that has been, and the wonderful people I have known. They are legion.