My friend, Ed, died today. He was 60, just a year older than I. Alzheimer’s disease gradually took his life over seven years. Ed was full of life, loved to joke, loved to play a fun trick on anyone. He was a sheriff, and he had seen his fair share of tough situations. Maybe his ready laugh helped him deal with the hard work of a cop. Ed was tender too. He was not above shedding a tear. He was passionate, joyful, and faithful. His funeral will be a celebration; I know.
His journey is done now; his work is done. When his wife was working with Hospice toward the end, she said of that, “It seems so final.” I’m thinking, “it’s true, we do come to the end of life here on earth.” Death is a very good reason to live with joy, now. Ed’s with Jesus, probably having a fun time. Now, for this life, I want to live with joy, like my friend, Ed.