Last Monday, my 87-year-old Great Uncle John didn't wake up in the morning. When his wife awoke and found him unresponsive, she immediately called 911, but Uncle John had already quietly passed on from this life.
I've spent some time every day in the 10 days since his passing trying to decide what to write on the blog about this man's life and death (not so much for the readers, but for myself and in honor of Uncle John), but I simply can't find all the words. I think the speakers at the funeral had a difficult time finding the right words to honor this man, too. The eulogy provided a litany of good acts and successes that Dr. John had accomplished in his lifetime, but somehow all those lists fell short of describing the incredible impact this man had on the world.
His obituary can be found here, and if you ever need some inspiration to go out into the world and make a difference, read about my Uncle John's life.
Here's my list for Uncle John:
He was a husband of 63 years (he really meant it when he said "'til death do us part")
He built a hospital in Zambia, Africa; brick, by brick, by brick.
He always had time for you.
He adored his family.
He loved the Lord (and proved it).
He had the patience of Job, the heart of David, and the courage of Joseph.
He was a dentist that truly cared about every patient in his practice, and his patients loved him for it.
He was a great encourager.
He wasn't afraid to tell you that he loved you, or afraid to correct you or provide you with gentle instruction.
Throughout his funeral service and at the graveside, the line from Hamlet kept circling through my mind: "Goodnight, sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Uncle John was a prince, deserving of all the reward he will find in Heaven.
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