Thank you, Laurence

Yesterday, my friend Laurence passed away after a long illness.  His beloved wife Christine has posted some pictures and text at http://www.sacredheartministries.org/

I have been thinking about my time with Laurence over the years and about our recent visits at the hospital, then at home where he was under hospice care.  His life has touched so many people in so many different ways.  What stands out in my mind right now is his gratitude.  While visiting him at the hospital, he said "thank you" more times than I could possibly count.  He thanked every person every time they came into his room.  Whether it was to feed him, take his blood, empty the trashcan - it didn't matter.  He thanked each for their caregiving and support.

"An attitude of gratitude" and similar phrases are not unfamiliar to me.  I have heard numerous strategies such as "write a thank-you note every day" or "think of something you are thankful for before you go to sleep at night."  In my time with Laurence, however, I encountered an example of the gratitude that St. Paul meant when he wrote "in every thing give thanks."

Laurence had many reasons to feel frustrated or discouraged, angry or afraid.  I know he experienced much pain and discomfort.  Even so, he has provided me with the most striking example of gratitude I have ever seen in my 59 years.  For that, all I can say is,

Thank you, Laurence.