Sunsets

 

Every sunset whispers that endings can be as beautiful as beginnings.  Unknown

The week gone by gave rise to whispers in my soul about the beginnings and endings of life.  

The family gathered to celebrate my brother's life - and grieve it's ending.  And so, when many friends and family were together at Lake Eunice before the funeral, we enjoyed sharing stories of the past as well as the exuberance and laughter of the next generation - the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Vern and Donna Aaker.

I try to reach back 80 years in my memory to when we were growing up on the farm - a simpler time.  Then I try to imagine what life will be like for these children over the next decades.  Feelings of nostalgia are mixed with hope and some degree of trepidation about the future.  

Though I won't be around to see that future fully evolve, the warning signs are evident.  Smoke from wildfires have been a daily reminder to us all around the country - of drought and global warming.

But the theme of this week was joy and gratitude.  This was a time to celebrate a long life and enjoy the legacy Verne and Donna left behind.