A Very Sad Story!
Here is a sad true story about Delores Anna May Aguilar, born in Jal, New Mexico, on June 20th, 1929; departed August 7th, 2008. She will be met in the afterlife by her husband, Edward; son, Edward Junior, and daughter, Ruby Jane. She is survived by….
Delores had no hobbies, made no contributions to society and rarely shared a kind word or deed in her life. I speak for the majority of her family when I say her presence will not be missed by many, very few tears will be shed, and there will be little-to-no lamenting over her passing.
Her family will mostly remember some troubling events, words and actions about Delores. We may have a few fond memories of her if God will help us to remember them. However, I truly be that at the end of the day, lieve ALL of us will really only miss what we never had - a good and kind mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I hope she is finally at peace with herself. As for the rest of us left behind, I hope this is the beginning of a time of healing, as well as learning how to be a healthy family.
There will be no service, no prayers, and no closure for the family she spent a lifetime tearing apart. We cannot come together in the end to see to it that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren can say their goodbyes. So, I say here for all of us, “GOOD-BYE, DELORES!”
As I read this true story of this family it almost made tears come to my eyes, and I must confess in my heart I was weeping. What a depressing statement about a life, and also about a family. Can you imagine the scars and hurt that this family must be carrying? What a burden!
Aren’t you glad this is definitely and certainly not true of your wonderful loved one? Your cherished loved one honestly cared for you and her/his family, didn’t they? It helps to treasure all the wonderful and delightful memories of your loving family member, doesn’t it? Remember, you are loved by your family, and friends! Count that as a blessing!
John T. Catrett, III
ONHL Hospice Chaplain
124 East Broadway, P.O. Box 1216
Drumright, OK 74030
918.585.2297
Children Too?
By Ken Murrell
Depew Church of Christ
When Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A. D., it was something the people not only had never witnessed before, but it took the large Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii by surprise. Thousands fled in terror, but several hundred chose to stay, perhaps thinking they could protect their property from thieves, perhaps being too macho to run.
Countless living souls were pummeled by large stones spewing from the volcano, while others were completely buried by hot, thick volcanic ash and lava. However, all this devastation occurred at around noon when merchants, families, the employed, both young and old, would certainly be carrying out their daily activities.
Between them the population of these two cities was upwards of 25,000. Yet, both cities were forgotten. It wasn’t until the 1700’s that the ruins were rediscovered and excavated. Time in these cities ended abruptly; people were preserved as they engaged in everyday life activities, but in sudden death.
Entire families were found huddled together, only traces of what they once were, in hardened empty shells of volcanic ash and lava. They were once people like us -- men, women, even children of various ages. In each city were found indications of indulgent and decadent behavior, such as gambling and prostitution.
Many tried to hide from the inevitable, taking refuge in cellars, rock structures, or inner rooms. Imagine the fear! People were not only asphyxiated by ash and sulfuric gases emitted by this eruption, but also by the subsequent hot mud and lava.
Jesus has said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven“ (Matthew 18:3). If you had been there, would you have escaped horrific death? Would you have already been converted? Would you have stayed behind trying to save your worldly possessions, only to be encased in volcanic lava and mud?
Notice that Jesus does not say, “become little children.” They are helpless and immature to the seriousness of the world. Children are dependent upon parents to supply their needs. But become like a child; innocent to sinfulness, becoming dependent on the one who made you -- God!
Could an event such as occurred at Pompeii also happen in our lifetime? See how the Bible answers that! Read Luke 21:10-11 and vs. 25-28.Terrible things have happened suddenly for centuries and taken many lives. Jesus said, “The world will be destroyed, but my words will never be destroyed!” (Luke 21:33) He admonishes people to be prepared for eternal life: “be ready all the time.” (Luke 21:36)