Blog 263 -04.01.2016

This passed Monday a memorial service was held to celebrate the life of David Jerome Heyen. David was a handsome boy with winning ways much like Elvis Aaron Presley. Those of us who knew and loved David thought the expression, “Elvis has left the building” had a special meaning at David’s passing.

All of us who have spent much time on this beautiful blue marble have had to say “Good bye, so long, see you later” to one or perhaps many beloved family members and friends. It is neither easy nor pleasant but a fact of life, “One goes out and one comes in.” Reminds me of a story of a child who had recently attended a graveside funeral where the minister had quoted the Bible verse, “Ashes to ashes and dust to dust.” The child was playing under the bed and said that someone was under the bed. The mother asked who it was. The child said she didn’t know but that someone was either coming or going under there.”

People are always coming and going in and out of our lives. Everyone doesn’t grab our attention and win our hearts like an Elvis or a David but each has an important part to play. When someone you know and love moves on you feel that loss. John Donne, a famous English poet wrote: “No man is an island entire unto himself … Each man’s death diminishes me.” Well said John. When our loved ones pass often our friends don’t know how to act around us or what to say. I usually try to call up a pleasant memory or personal trait about the loved and lost. I believe/think that these lives are but adventures in a larger story so I think that we will see our friends again. Many people do not think so and I could be wrong. Be that as it may our may not be these dearly departed ones are a part of us and their words, their smiles, and their laughter we get to keep for at least as long as we live.

Remember the highest and best. And if you do you will have to admit Elvis never left the building the echo of his voice and the memory of his smile lives on in the hearts of all who loved him and even in those who were born after he left this stage and came to know of him through others and his pictures and recordings that survive him. All our departed loved ones are like that too.

Your friend and fellow traveler,
David White