Yesterday we made the long journey to none other than Chris’ old stomping grounds, Bay City, Texas. We were meeting up with her brother Mark. And where was this meeting going to take place, you might ask? Well, how about Walmart? Why not?
The purpose of getting with Mark was more somber than just a romp through Walmart, though. He was to lead us to the site at Matagorda Bay that he had selected to scatter the ashes of their brother, Lee.
We stopped by the Walmart there in Bay City to stretch our legs a bit. And who should we run into but Mark and Mary (his girlfriend). They had the same idea we did.
From there we headed over to one of the iconic eating establishments in Bay City - El Zarape Mexican Food. The food was passable, and the service was really good. But the Mexican food aficionado and critic who is my wife declared that, sadly, the icon has lost its edge. It just wasn’t the same as it was 54 years ago when she was in high school. Hate to tell you … none of us are. Of course in our case that means we are just way better.
After lunch we headed on to the waterfront. It was pretty chilly in the north wind, but otherwise it was a beautiful day. Mark played a song on his phone by a country artist that Lee liked. Very appropriate song for what we were doing. It was by a guy named Jamey Johnson. The song was called, “Lead Me Home.” I had never heard it before, but my favorite line was something like, “Don’t you cry over my body. That ain’t even me lying there.” Good theology. After the song I read John 14:1-3 and prayed. Mark then waded into the water, in just about the same spot he did when his Dad died, and released the remains. There were some tears, but Chris and Mark found solace in each other and in their own relationship with God.
Before making the trek back home we made a quick stop for a blizzard at Dairy Queen. Then we detoured over to where Chris’ mom is buried, so Chris could put some flowers on her grave. It was a rather emotional day.
Proverbs 4:23 says, Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
Father, please grant Chris and Cheryl and Mark your comfort. Amen.
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