I must attend our dear friend Jay's funeral in a few hours. Jay and Bea are in our Monday Night Bible Study group. Dick has been with this group for the past 12 years and I have been attending since we've been married! Jay just celebrated his 90th birthday last month!
I went to the 'viewing' this morning and saw Bea for the first time since his passing. They were married for 69 years and they loved each other soooooooo much! They are both in GREAT shape, small framed, and have hearts that are sooooo sweet! Dick would send them Mother's Day and Father's Day cards! They really consider Dick to be their son! They love him so much! Bea said, "Half of my heart is gone." She does not think she will ever have a good day ever again. They have 2 daughters and they each have families. I told her Jay will continue to live in her heart and the hearts of her family members. They will continue to see Jay in each of them. We just held each other for a long time. She was a very lucky lady to have such a wonderful husband for so long - and he was lucky too!!
Jay (and Bea) are good and faithful servants and we know Jay is in a better place, but our hearts are still so sad. Jay had a stroke 2 weeks ago, ended up in the hospital, was somewhat paralyzed on his right side, was awake, slurred his words, but seemed to understand what we were saying and would respond back. We saw him the last two days we were in Merced and I am so glad we have that memory. Even though his mind was affected by the stroke, he was in a 'happy place' and we were able to joke and make him laugh. He was not in any pain. He developed pneumonia while in the hospital and passed after a few days.
Jay was a super star on the saxophone! He toured in a band in his youth! Well, a few years ago, he wanted to get a refresher course on the sax! So, every week I would go to their home and we'd play - this would last about 9 months! I would not accept any money so Bea would always give me some almonds, cake, or perfume because she could not see me come over but leave empty handed. And, Jay caught on real fast!! Bea began to have back problems and he needed to care for her so we stopped the lessons. Since the sax was such a big part of Jay's life, the family asked if I would play the sax at the funeral! Uh, I am not a performer, I enjoy TEACHING! My first response of course was, NO. But, after talking with the pastor, a feeling of HONOR came over me and I accepted the offer.
Today at 4 pm is the funeral and I'll play How Great Thou Art - for Jay! I found a good rendition, added a few things to it and I feel pretty good about it all. Yea, I am not a performer, but I believe we are asked to be in certain situations for a reason.... perhaps the message is in the song I will play... "Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim, "My God how great Thou art!"
I will play for Jay with all of my heart and soul thanking him for showing me how to be a good and faithful servant.
PART II
The service was standing room only at the Central Pres. Church in Merced, where Bea and Jay were married! It was a beautiful, heartfelt service and I am truly honored to have been a part of it. I was able to tell a funny little story before I played, about Jay's sax lesson, and everyone laughed. I actually played my peice well and received some of the highest compliments I've ever received before! It was all because of Jay and my love for him, his family and God, I just know it. The reception afterwards went real well and it was fun to meet some new faces and see some old faces that I have not seen in a loooong time!
Unfortunately, Dick was unable to attend the funeral. He is the only pitcher for Taylor's baseball team and they had their playoff game in SF at 5:30 today. He talked to the daughters and they both assured him that Jay would much rather have him their for his son. Thankfully, a DVD was made - for their grandson in Denmark - so Dick will be able to hear the heartfelt words of this dear friend. Thank you for keeping this family in your prayers.
No comments:
Post a Comment