Monthly Archives: February 2010

I met today with a new acquaintance.

He is lately moved to Kindersley. 

His life story has been extensive, and yet he still appears young.  He is married to a Muslim lady and is a bit of a Koine Greek scholar – reading and translating the New Testament.  He is a Caucasian from small town Saskatchewan. 

With that background a whole story could be imagined.  I’m rather inclined to spend time with him and find out the real story.  As I mentioned to him at one point in our conversation – I seldom read fiction, I find non-fiction can be way more exciting!!

Closure is what we call the need for finality after a death of a loved one.  We can claim we are unaffected, but somewhere, sometime the effects will out!  Thus, the need for a “funeral” of some type.

I have seen anything from the somber to the bash!  Religious to pagan. 

Every culture has there approach to death. 

The Christian has an optimistic yet realistic approach.  In today’s funeral we celebrated the life of Harry Piluk.  We watched as weeping happened – sorrowing for the loss of one who had talked, walked, comforted, fathered, fixed and loved.  Then we gave the casket a final resting place, confident that Harry is not dead but will live – absent from the body is present with Jesus!

Death and dying are joyful yet painful times.  May God comfort the Piluk’s at this time, and give them the great hope of the Christian – resurrection!

So, the birthday party was . . .

A bowling game – actually two.

The first game was won by my wife.  Three women and six men – only one could triumph. 

The next game was won by Arlene.  Another triumph for the women.

My brother used to run triathalons.  He qualified for the Iron Man.  His battle cry was “never get beat by a woman.” 

Too bad, Gary. 

Women rule!

One of our friends died today.  We had come to know Harry Piluk in the past few years.  Some of that time was spent in enjoyable conversation, the last few years he lived in the fog of memories that he couldn’t quite put together.

We spent noon with the family, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken and discussing plans.  Tonight, some of the family are with us, using our basement for a place to sleep and relax.

We all live on this earth as travellers.  Harry was known for his coffee times at Dairy Queen, for his walks down the street constantly being interrupted by friends, and for his hard work and cribbage games.  His ship of life had a gangplank for others – I like to think that this was the way he encouraged others to fellow-ship with him.

The funeral is at 2:00 on Wednesday.  You are invited to join the family for this celebration of life and as a reminder of the greater life yet to come – a life Harry is enjoying now!