Dad,
You said, "It was a bad dream."
You said, "It was both sad and scary."
Those were all the details you gave.
I wonder what a better dream would be for you?
Milking cows on your childhood farm,
Harvesting tobacco,
Or perhaps enjoying an olive nut sandwich at the soda fountain in Danville, KY.
Or fishing with your grandfather Hopper in Jupiter Florida...
You sleep more these days.
Sometimes I sit beside you and count the seconds between your breaths.
I know you are transitioning from life on earth to life beyond.
When the time comes,
I know you will be ready.
I expect my brother will be waiting to welcome you.
I wonder what it will be like for you to meet your father who died in WW2 when you were a baby.
I expect there will be joyful reunions and questions finally answered.
Bad dreams come and go.
Good dreams too.
When the time is right,
you'll know.
So for now rest in the comfort that you are loved, and all will be well.
O Lord,
support us all the day long,
until the shadows lengthen
and the evening comes,
and the busy world lies hushed,
and the fever of life is over,
and our work is done.
Then in your mercy,
grant us a safe lodging,
and a holy rest,
and peace at the last.
Amen
