New Perspectives

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This is a tender time.  A good friend has died. 

Francis was his name; he was eighty eight.  Francis claimed Ingersoll as home for him for his first fifty years.  The next thirty eight passed in a place called L’Arche.  Francis was one of the early ones in L’Arche in those days.  The community in Richmond Hill had formed just three years prior to his arrival. 

The community began in the spirit of “The Ark” which came together in Trosly, France.  Jean Vanier helped to welcome two men with intellectual disabilities into his home, which then quickly became their home.  Sharing meals together, cooking, cleaning, chores and work marked the rhythm of their days.  What began as Jean helping them grew to something quite different – relationships of mutuality where celebration and forgiveness are at the heart of life together.

Francis came to L’Arche when he was fifty.  He worked the farm until retirement, which then propelled him into a time of further creativity.  Woodworking and painting became outlets for his relentless energy.  His artwork hangs in our home and in my study at work.  Adapting to the seasons of his life and responding to inspiration, Francis’ art changed over time.  Details emerged.  Colours changed.  His life continued to open to the possibility of newness.  He became a teacher for others.

As my beloved and I sat with him today, watching him take his last breaths, I noticed how still his body looked.  With all of his energy, his enthusiasm for life, he began his final journey with us in moments of stillness.

 How do we mark a life?  What gifts are given in death?  These are a few questions ruminating around for me at the moment.  They help me to pause for a while; long enough to realize how grateful I am for this friend, this elder in my life. 

Who are you giving thanks for these days?

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Wednesday, October 27, 2010