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September 9th.
2009
LOVE AND SERVICE
My favorite memory of my father-in-law is the time I asked for his
daughter’s hand in marriage. He had returned to his shop after dinner on
this mid-spring evening to finish up a project. As I drove to his place
of business I nervously rehearsed my speech. As I walked in the door I
found him stacking boxes and smoking a cigarette.
“Hey Dave! I wanted to talk with you about something,” I began. And in
his normal friendly helpful tone he responded, “Sure Brian – what’s on
your mind?” “Well…I wanted to talk…with you…about marring Staci…” He
immediately picked up another cigarette and lit it – mind you he already
had one lit in the ashtray. “You know… her mother and I… hope she
finishes college.” And then he lit another cigarette – yes now there
where three cigarettes lit. Just when it became apparent to me how
uncomfortable he was with this scenario he lit yet one more cigarette he
said, “Well…you know maybe you should talk to her mother!”
Dave was a great father-in-law. He was always supportive, always
encouraging and always, always, always asking me questions about the
Church. You see, Dave loved the Church. This was never clearer to me
than the way he treated his constant companion, his Book of Common
Prayer. He had it with him for every flying mission of his 22 year Air
Force career. He not only brought it to church every Sunday, he always
took it with him on the road. In fact, he once told me he strategically
placed it on the dash of his truck hoping folks might ask him about it.
I was blessed this last Sunday with the lovely Mrs. Prior and my
mother-in-law to be present when my father-in-law went to God’s greater
glory. It was a holy moment as we surrounded him with love,
encouragement and prayers. Dave was clearly ready to go and while we
will all sincerely miss him, we are glad that his suffering is over. The
small man with the huge heart who would do anything for anyone and could
fix anything – even if it meant with duct tape - was built to be busy.
Lying in bed for a prolonged period of time was not for him.
Some of Dave’s last words on Saturday night were while sharing a moment
with family. Staci said, “You’ve been so blessed. You have a beautiful
family, beautiful children and grandchildren…”. He interrupted to say,
“And a beautiful wife,” while reaching for the hand of his bride!
Dave loved and served his family, loved and served his country for over
twenty years with distinction, and he loved and served his Lord until he
took his last earthly breath. And while I feel a significant sense of
loss it is completely overshadowed by a sense of abundance of blessing
to have had such a great father-in-law and a wonderful grandfather for
our children.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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