Home again

Some of Phillip's wonderful coworkers helped us fly emergency standby so we could attend his funeral on Thursday. We were very fortunate going down on Wednesday and did just as they expected us to do on the way home today, Friday.

We only failed to make one flight we were wait listed for. A particularly good showing during this frantic time for American Airlines. We saw LOTs of people who were not doing nearly as well.

We arrived in Tulsa in time to be at the funeral home in Collinsville with the family. Then stay through the public viewing. The small chapel was packed out. Probably fits about 100 or 125 and it was filled.

The funeral was moved to Owasso, about 5 or so miles away to a very nice funeral facility that has a chapel that holds I was told around 350. It was packed and about that many were standing down the sides, behind the chapel in a glass vestibule, and outside.

It was the most beautiful funeral I have ever attended. A large mixed young peoples choir accompanied a duet singing "Thank You for Giving to the Lord."

Phillip was a very giving person. We were taught to give of ourselves by Dad who gave of himself his entire life. Phillip organized and facilitated a number of large youth meetings and always seemed more at home with the youth than folks his age. Phillip never wanted to grow up. But he was wise beyond his years, and I look at his life with a sense of envy in that respect.

The heavens opened just as we were headed to the cemetery, and it was a muddy quagmire.

It was a blessing to see my extended family again. Aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces and beyond.

I discovered while I was there that my theological positional statement has raised some concerns in those who feel somewhat responsible for my spiritual direction. And they should. I have admired my uncles and aunts lives on both sides of my family. And I know that some of my thinking is in part a result of ingesting things I've heard from them and things I've seen in their lives.

I hope my positional statement won't cause anyone a lot of concern. I am still learning and growing. And long ago I found myself believing that no one has all the answers, and my answers will be fluid until I cross into timelessness as has Phillip.

Thanks to each of you who kept us in your thoughts and prayers. The funeral was my most difficult so far. I lost a rediscovered friend and time is not likely to substantially heal my heart.