When Sean was about 7, while visiting my Dad in Florida, he attended a study course taught by my Dad at his church. My Dad was a Methodist minister. He was astonished by Sean’s interest and knowledge of Jesus and the bible. For a little while, I wasn’t sure Sean would agree to come home with us.
In later years, when Sean was homeless, poor and struggling, he was still one of the most popular people I have ever had the pleasure of walking a street with. People came from all over to hug him, shake his hand or “pound it”. It was as though he had a life and following, I couldn’t imagine. Even though by all practical measures, he didn’t have anything. No home, often no money, rarely no job. ( he was easily and frequently hired, the jobs didn’t always last) He had a charisma that was difficult to quantify.
Sometimes, I felt he was too special for this world. He was like a prophet. He preached love, kindness and peace. He was a beautiful hippie in every good way.
I do think his presence on earth was not in vain. He was here for a reason. His message was meaningful and it still carries.
This passage reminds me of Sean. I think of Jesus of a prophet. Interestingly, as I age, I treasure all the messages and teachings we have from our loved one’s who have passed. They were prophets too.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41 Now whis parents went xto Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, zthey went up according to custom. 43 And whenthe feast awas ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.wHis parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’sjourney, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances,45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 Afterthree days they found him in the temple, bsitting among cthe teachers, listening to themand asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understandingand his answers. 48 And when his parents1 saw him, they were astonished. And hismother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, dyour father and I havebeen searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you lookingfor me? Did you not know that eI must be in fmy Father’s house?”2 50 And gthey did notunderstand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came toNazareth and was submissive to them. And hhis mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus iincreased in wisdom and in stature3 and in ifavor with God and man.
I treasure so much of Sean in my heart.
Easter marks the resurrection. For those of us who have lost children. We identify with the loss , the crucifixion. Unfortunately, there is no resurrection. Our kids don’t come back to life.
So we hope for signs. Sean is with his Grandfathers. His paternal Grandfather’s birthday falls on Easter this year. They never met on Earth but, were very similar. Both were kind, intelligent men, with a sense of loyalty to country and family. Both had birthdays that could fall on Easter. Sean’s Grandfather died at 54, a heart attack, maybe hastened by alcohol. He was accomplished, very hard working.
Alcohol takes years to exact it’s toll, fentanyl takes just a few minutes. So, Sean was gone at 27.
Today, driving from a family visit a beautiful rainbow appeared.
Thank you Sean and Grandpas, we miss you.
for-kindness 