What's in the Middle?
Beginnings and endings are on my mind right now. Everything is a beginning and an ending simultaneously. We are born, and in that moment our death is imminent. We have no idea how long the middle part will be, but there in lies the bulk of our story, our life, our legacy, what we leave behind and carry with us.
"Our mortal life is but a moment in our existence,
but that moment...is of eternal importance."
Patrick Kearon
My father-in-law, Michael George Schiber, died nearly two weeks ago on August 21st. My husband and I just returned from his funeral in Virginia where he and John's mom, Elizabeth, moved about four years ago. It was a simple, intimate gathering full of love and memories shared about one of the kindest and coolest men I've ever known. He knew something about everything it seemed. He was endlessly curious and had a very adventurous spirit. He loved his family. He loved the outdoors and camping, fishing, gardening, cooking, and model trains. George (as we called him), came into John's life when he was twelve. He went from the man his mom married to his stepdad, then Dad. He became the role model John looked to. He and Beth helped John through some very challenging times in his twenties when he was a newly divorced, single dad trying to figure things out. They made a huge difference in John and Heather's life before I ever came into it. Heather's beautiful tribute to her grandfather was one of the highlights of his memorial.
There was no fanfare, no accolades, no pomp or circumstance, just one more life lived. George left behind a legacy of love, joy, optimism, curiosity, faith, and learning. What more is there? That's a pretty good middle in my opinion. What's in between my beginning and ending? What's in between yours? What's in the middle? What legacy are we creating?
"Your legacy is every life you touch."
Maya Angelou
George was most definitely a bloomer. He loved life and shared that with everyone around him. I'm so grateful I was fortunate to become part of his family. What a blessing it has been to be his daughter-in-law. I am grateful that life doesn't end with death, that there's more, an eternity more. This mortal minute is just the second act. I don't know what the next part will be like, exactly, but I believe with all my heart that we continue on and will see our loved ones again. Our loving Heavenly Father has provided a way for all of us to return home again. That's pretty marvelous. But let's focus on the middle for now. Let's love one another. Let's laugh, be kind, and spread joy. Let's be curious and full of faith. Let's keep learning, growing, and blooming together.
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