The wise will know
Jeff at Niagara Falls, a place he loved. May 2009
If we call for the proof and we question the answers
Only the doubt will grow
Are we blind to the truth or a sign to believe in?
Only the wise will know
And word by word they handed down the light that shines today
And those who came at first to scoff, remained behind to pray
Yes those who came at first to scoff, remained behind to pray
— Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson
Jeff was the classic left-brain thinker, disciplined and methodical. He tended toward skepticism in most areas, from alternative medicine, to charismatic politicians, to the good intentions of people who often promised more than they delivered.
About his faith, though, he never wavered. He lived his last hours with the same stoic acceptance he demonstrated throughout our 38 years together, secure in his belief that death was a passage to another life and not merely the end of this one.
He had no profound parting words or emotional scenes during those last few days. He knew, as we did, that his life had spoken more eloquently and consistently than any words could express. His steadfast faith, hope and love are an enduring example, a light in our lives that will never be extinguished.
This post was first published seven years ago today. The original post, comments and photo are linked, along with two other related posts, below. These links to related posts, and their thumbnail photos, do not appear in the blog feed; they are only visible when viewing the individual posts by clicking on each one. I have no idea why, nor do I know how they choose the related posts. That’s just the way WordPress does things.
Defeat Despair 
This is a beautiful tribute to your husband.
Thank you! I have a confession: I never wrote an obituary for Jeff. This is partly because I knew how little he liked such things– and indeed, he had given me precise instructions about what he NEVER wanted anyone to say, such as “he fought cancer bravely” or similar sentiments. He was an intensely private person to the end. But also, I could not begin to string the words together into an obituary that would do him justice. As I told one friend, “Perhaps I should just write ‘We shall not see his like again’ and let it go at that.” So perhaps this is an obituary of sorts. I’m so happy you like it.
It expresses who he was at his core and how he effected others. It’s unique, and wonderfully done. 🌻❤️
Thank you, I appreciate your kind words and I’m honored you shared the post with me.
Dear Julia, as I look at this photo of Jeff at Niagara Falls, it strikes me that he appears so solid and the mighty Niagara Falls are a mist. This image aligns will with what you’ve said about Jeff. Who he has been and what he has done for you and others in this misty world remains, firm and true.
Love and blessings to you, Dear Julia!
Thank you, Susan. Seven years on, it’s still true and you still know and share that truth. Miss you! ❤