Thursday 27 August 2009

Death - The passing of a man this week


I usually don't do two posts on the same day. However today I am as I am struggling with emotions. A man passed away this week that has my heart troubled - searching my own heart for answers as to why? Also what kind of legacy did he leave for others? What are my thoughts and what are my feelings? This man has impacted my life - and he will be missed.

Perhaps you may be thinking of Ted Kennedy. I am not. I am thinking of Greg. Just this afternoon I learned he had passed away from cancer. My reaction was; "oh no!" I did not realize he was ill. Our pastor from Florida sent out an email sharing the news.

You see, Greg was homeless, completely homeless. He lived in the woods in central Florida and rode a bike and lived out of a knapsack. He was probably 40 years of age or so. I remember Greg mostly from Sunday mornings. He usually would come into church after the service was in progress. he would spot a pew near the back, and then, carrying his knapsack, would work his way into the middle of the pew he wanted. People would smile, greet him, hug him and let him know he was welcomed. He has done this for several years.

Monday, August 31st there will be a memorial service at church for Greg. His Sister and his friends will be there. HIs church family will also attend - he loved them and they loved him.

No fan fare, no limo's, no one lining the streets but he will be missed. Sorry I didn't get to say good bye Greg. I will miss you at church Greg - thanks for helping me keep my priorities straight.

12 comments:

rk said...

I am hoping in this man's quiet moments, he invited relationship with our Lord. The amazing gift from Christ is we are all royalty. Homeless in the woods, or human crown, we are ALL royalty. This is what I love about you Papa, that you celebrate this. While this man's loss is not a celebration, his homecoming in heaven most certainly will be and that is the greatest gift of all.

Love you,
Roxx

Parsley said...

I'm so glad he was loved by your church family.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Roxx - it was amazing the contacts that Greg had throughout the community. On Monday evenings each week another group of churches did a meal in the park for the homeless. Greg was usually there - thy also furnished clothes, bedding or other basic needs. Judy and I helped serve the food line.

Love you Roxx!! XO XO

Indian Lake Papa said...

Parsley - Greg was definitely family. He was treated as family and made sure his needs were taken care of. even doctor/dental appointments were somehow taken care of.

CrossView said...

=(

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - this funeral really stirred up a lot of various emotions.

Ed said...

Sorry for the loss of your friend Greg.

He was loved, and will be missed, by the congregation of the church and his friends in the community he lived in. That is as much as any of use can ask for.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ed - it was an "unusual" relationship between a man and his friends. In many ways Greg taught me what compassion really is, what things are important, and what real struggle is.I will always remember him.

Anonymous said...

This same thing goes through me every time someone "important" passes. It's so insulting to put degrees of value on a human life based on how much they are in the public eye, or money, whatever. There was fanfare in Heaven Papa, he was ushered into the presence of the King and we'll see him again one day.

Love you and you are right, really helps you get your priorities straight.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Deb - One of my major prayer concerns each day is that today will be a day that I keep my priorities straight and that I "listen" for Savior's voice as I walk with Him.

Life Adapted said...

I love that this man was so loved. In our society the homeless are usually not loved. It shows your tender heart. May God's blessing pour down on you.

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - Greg was a person that helped me to understand the homeless better. It is a part of our society we try to avoid and yet we shouldn't - they have a tough day - every day.