The Mark of Family - October, 16, 2011

At times our lives move slowly, at times life flies by. 

Occasionally our lives stand still , even if it is just for a moment.

Oh my word, that was our experience with extended family this past weekend. 

Uncle Ed March has passed away and he was to be interned next to his wife, next to her parents and next to his brother-in-law (Tim’s dad Gene).  Ed never lived in Lincoln for longer than  summer vacation periods, but his wife Carol was born and raised here.  They lived their entire married lives on the east coast; they lived in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Delaware and their last few years in Florida.

His daughters and their families, extended families, and cousins Lou and Debbie and Dennis, Judy and Bruce all gathered in Lincoln for this weekend of honor, respect, sorrow, joy and reflection.  Ed served his country during World War II as a seaman with the Merchant Marines.  Following the war he quickly earned the rank of Master Captain of all Oceans.  He was a top gun ship’s captain.  He loved the sea.  He went on have an illustrious career with the Department of Labor and the safety on all the seas.  Ed was an amazingly gifted, talented, and capable man. Only his love for his wife and children surpassed his talent and professional contributions.

As we gathered together to reflect on Ed’s life and the passing of his generation of influence over his children and their families (Carol passed earlier this summer), time stood still. 

Ed loved the sea, mastered her, and set aside her spell and charms to marry Carol and raise their family.  He did not leave behind the call to excellence and professionalism, he just served on land rather than away on the sea.  Thus time stands still, he brought immortality to his gifts and talents.  They live on in his children and grandchildren.  The priority of family and the coming generations brings your time to stillness.  Alone we are all temporary inhabitants of history and the universe.  When we commit to family and the birthing of new a new generation we become timeless!

Not only is Ed’s soul immortal; he lives on and on here on earth in our memories and in the coming generations!  His mathematical accomplishments, his desire for excellence, and his talents of art and  relational living go on! 

Yes, in flesh we are temporary.  But like Uncle Ed, Aunt Carol, Grandpa Albert, Grandma Ruth, and Gene, may time stand still as we live and relive their memories.  May their immortality shine in the loved ones they inspired, touched, and gave life to.

Even with Jen 5521 miles away,  I trust she knew she was with us all.  She too reflects in her living the powerful affects of the generations that have come before her.  She carries their gifts and is now sharing them with Eastern Europe.