God Speed, Mr. V

I only met him 3 or 4 times. A tall, sturdy man with a hearty presence and a gentle disposition. Not unlike his older brother, a close friend of mine, Steven was a kind spirit. Bright, funny, generous.

When he was diagnosed with Leukemia, it was hard to believe. How could it be so?

When he went into remission, we all celebrated the hard-fought victory. Those of us who only really knew Steven and of his harrowing vitality through his brother cheered. It seemed this awful chapter was near coming to a positive conclusion. That his wife and child could have him back for the foreseeable future...

But it was not meant to be.

Steven was taken to hospice care on Saturday. His family camped out with him to help him pass through the door. He was in and out of consciousness for the remainder.

Steven passed on to meet his Maker on Thursday morning.

He was a good man, near as I could discern. A gentle, loving, honest soul. A man of faith. A man who did not become angry at God. A man who embraced his sufferings like Christ carrying His most Holy Cross. A man who never lost hope or despaired.

My prayer today is that Steven remembers us to God. My prayer is that the Perpetual Light that now shines on Steven should one day find each of us in the everlasting calm of Eternity with The Author of the Cosmos.

My prayer is for his family. My prayer is for all of us. The entire world.

God Speed, Steven!