Too Young to Say Good-bye

Last week you might remember, I had the privilege of officiating a funeral for Jack Anhalt. It was an amazing time, though much to early to say good-bye to this 53 year old father, husband and grandfather.

My friend Roger Fowble lost his brother this week to congestive heart failure...Robert was 33! The funeral was this morning and the rain seemed quite appropriate. Though the weather was dreary, Robert's life was not. And because of the joy and laughter with which he lived, there was much celebration at his funeral today.

Three things that were definitely present during the service and afterward were faith, hope, and love. Pastor Dave shared about Robert's faith. He spoke of heaven and how Robert was there now, urging us to realize that fantastic reality ourselves. The hope was expressed as several family members shared about how Robert was now with his mom...and that they, too, would join them someday. And lastly, the love was evident as each family member shared their memories of their giant of a brother. His heart was as big as his life and it affected everyone around him. It was too early to say good-bye, but at least he made the most of his 33 years here.