Thursday, June 16, 2011

Thanks For Sending a Rainbow


It was a bittersweet day for Jack and I. A good friend passed away and his funeral was today. It was nice to see all his family and friends at the funeral and many friends who had moved away came back for his service. I was happy that my boss let me leave so I could attend. Mark was a good friend, a man with a smile as big as his heart. Jack had served with him in many church callings and enjoyed his sense of humor. Conducting his funeral was not an easy task for Jack. Mark was only 58. To some that may seem old but for us who are the same age, it's pretty young to head to the other side. But when illness, pain and suffering are your new companions, it makes the leaving a blessing. The words and stories about his life brought many to tears as well as laughter. It brought to my mind the saying that everyone has a story to tell...their life so full of chapters. How grateful we should be to have a small role in those chapters. His oldest daughter gave a lovely eulogy and his 3yr old twin grandchildren sang his favorite Primary song: "Give Said The Little Stream"...and Mark did give much to all who knew him. He will be missed. I left work later than I normally do because of being on call. It had been a busy and kind of crazy day. We had an emergency C-section right after I got back from the funeral. Actually, the baby was already born when I walked in the OR to take a look at this tiny new member of the human race. He was born at 23wks and probably weighed about 1-1/2lbs..the smallest one I've ever seen born at our hospital. Of course they shipped him to a bigger facility that has a NICU. He was doing remarkably well when he left and I hope he continues to grow and thrive. Sort of both ends of the spectrum today...Death and birth. As I was heading for my car I looked up and saw this rainbow and it made me smile. Perfect ending for a not so perfect day.

14 comments:

Donna said...

Perfectly said in a beautiful way...sorry you had to work so late!

Stacy said...

I'm glad that you were with Dee today. You know it always works out. I'm glad you got to step out for a bit and be with us. I'm also glad you got to be with all the patients. Even in your hat! ;)

acorn hollow said...

Bittersweet for sure.
Cathy

Linda said...

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, but happy that you got to see the new baby. Hopefully, that baby will grow to be a strong, loving, healthy person.

Thanks for commenting on my blog!

Susan Anderson said...

The cycle of life. I guess you get to see that a lot in your work.

I am always so grateful for my knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan for us. What a comfort.

I'm glad you saw the rainbow.

=)

karen said...

It's funny how something as simple as a rainbow can remind us of the love our Heavenly Father has for us, as well as of His eternal plan. He speaks to us every day with such simple things. You had a lot of emotion packed into one day!

Hope said...

beautifully said, yaya. may blessings continue to be amongst you and your family.

Mrs Catch said...

Sorry about your friend Mark. That is WAY too young. What lovely words you wrote today. I enjoyed reading them so much.

Jilda said...

You were lucky to know such a good friend, lucky to see such an incredible child and the rainbow was just the cherry on top. Sorry for your loss, but glad you found the good in all of it.

Bonnie said...

I think that rainbows on funeral days are great signs of hope. It's like that person is smiling down on you in a smile full of bright colors. It's insanely poetic. :)

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Christina said...

This post really made me emotional. Mark was branch president when Casey was baptized and also when we were dating. He will always hold a dear place in our hearts. I wish we could have been there. I'm glad it was a beautiful service.

Rick Watson said...

The rhythm of life.
Good post Yaya.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

So sorry honey about your friend. Yes 58 is young! It is hard to loose such a dear friend and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
It something to leave his sad funeral and then attend a birth. Glad you shared your beautiful rainbow.
Love ya
Maggie

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Gosh honey you have sure been on my ole mind lately.
I thought of you this morning and then again on the way home. Then I find your funny comment waiting on me. lol
Just checking on you and to say again how sorry I am about your loss
Love ya
Maggie