Earlier today my brother, mom, and I met with Pastor Doug Vandermeulen to discuss dad's funeral. In light of Covid-19 restrictions, two decisions were made. We will hold a private funeral with immediate family members only. We will have a public celebration of life for all family and friends at a future date. In respect of the sacrifices we are all being asked to make, these are difficult but right decisions. We have no doubt as to how special dad was to all of you and we know how hard it is to not properly mourn. Or share memories together. Or hug each other. What we can do to honor dad is be strong and have patience in tribulation together. We WILL celebrate dad's life together soon.

Dad carried a tattered and torn wallet-sized card with him for years. He got it from his dad and I now carry it with me. It's a quote from the Reverend James Gordon Gilkey. It is more fitting now than ever for all friends and family of my dad.

"When we find ourselves face to face with some tragic situation and we retain our courage, if we keep faith, we find that God will eventually enable us to adjust ourselves to one of life's inexorables or outwit it."

Together we will outwit. Together we will adjust. And in time, together we will celebrate dad's legacy with tears, laughter, and bear hugs that would make dad proud.

The audio of Pastor Doug's message will be shared after the funeral. I will post as soon as possible when and where we will be holding a celebration of life.