One of the most generous men you'd ever meet

It has been a hard, whirlwind week.  One filled with shock and mourning, tears and laughter, love and prayers.  One in which we said good-bye to my uncle, Larry.  

Larry died in his sleep on Friday, at age 54.  (See Larry's obituary)  And amidst the questions and anger at our inability to understand how or why he was taken from us so early and unexpectedly, also mingles the memories and joy of how and why we loved this man so very much.  Because he was, for a lack of any better words, Larry. 

I myself have memories and thoughts of Larry that can't be explained or confined to a blog post.  No words will do justice to the greatness of this man, nor the greatness of our loss!  Nevertheless, I share a brief glimpse into what Larry's life meant to many of us and what my heart is saying at this time.  Here is the prayer I wrote for his wake prayer service:

GOD of Love,

You who have gathered generations of family and decades of friends here together tonight to celebrate the life of our brother Larry;

You who have revealed Yourself to us through the love, demeanor and actions of Larry’s life;

You who have lightened Larry’s burdens these past 54 years,

As he grew up in his large farming family,

As he worked home and farm and industry,

As he born and raised four beautiful children,

As he watched family grow through marriage and children, and dealt with loss of those dear to him,

As he supported friends, family and community so generously,

As he struggled in hard times, and rejoiced in all that he held dear;

You who gave Larry to us;

We ask that now, as You take him home to be with you in Your Kingdom of peace and love,

May you also lighten our burdens at this time, as we say ‘Good bye for now’ to our beloved:

Son,

Brother,

Father,

Grandfather,

Uncle,

Friend

And true treasure, Larry.

Eternal rest grand unto him Oh LORD,

And let perpetual light shine upon him.

Rest in peace Larry, knowing that we love you and will continue to do so, until we meet again!