Circle of life

Jen: "You know Amelia that Grandpa is very sick and won't be with us much longer".
Amelia (aged 3yrs): "Yes Mummy, it's ok, it's the cycle (circle) of life".

How profound and beautiful that 3 year old Amelia gets it. So simple and so accepting. Birth, life and death. Thankfully her Grandpa has been through every stage of the cycle of life, so family can be accepting that death is imminent. Not so with some deaths, when they are premature and not in old age.

Her Grandpa is my Godfather. Yesterday was one of the most beautiful days of my life. Being able to spend extended time with him and the vigil of family and friends that visited. Reflecting much on the chapters of our lives by the story telling of visitors. Each one representing a significant part of his life. The inter weavings and intersections of people and places. The people he has touched and the places he has been.

Chapters of life marked by location (living overseas & at home), by family, by work, by study, by church life, by his children's lives, by service to community groups, by music, sporting clubs, by address. The legacy he leaves behind of investing in people is extraordinary. He is an extraordinary man, deeply loved and respected by many.

Some quotes from yesterday;

He is one of the nicest men that has been in every prison in Queensland.

He was a man of few words but with a big message. 

He was Mr Workplace, Health & Safety before there was ever such a thing. He always looked out for the safety of all, even if it did seem over strict at the time, we knew he had our best interests at heart.

"Too right" - one of his favourite responses when he agreed with something. 

Motorbike stories, camp stories, youth group stories, Drug Arm stories, Crossroads stories, holiday stories, farm stories and the jokes. The jokes! He had the quickest, intelligent wit, the funniest expressions and the most wonderful way of making everyone smile, laugh or cringe with delight. His sense of humour renown by all.

Celebrating each of the memories and chapters of his life as we prepare to farewell a beloved man who in life and death inspires us. What struck me most about yesterday was the absence of sadness. Even in death there is this incredible sense of the fullness of life. The richness of his lived experiences being shared together shout out life, life, life.

How do you want to be remembered? Live it now.