Editor:
Waiting for a loved one to die brings a keen realization of the frailty of life and just how helpless and microscopic are our abilities. In good times, we come and go as we please; we sit, we stand; we work, we play. But during times of bereavement, shortcomings are revealed and thrust to the forefront of our very being.
Letter: What a difference Bill Brown made
With challenged faith, we stand in the storm and trust that when we dare to get out of the boat, that we will walk confidently and assuredly to the one who can calm the storm.
At times, I have felt guilty that I, or the doctors, could have done more to prevent death from rearing its ugly face. Then I realize how arrogant and conceited of me to think that I, or anyone, could prevent death from knocking and entering at a time that God allows.
I am reminded of the life my dad lived and how many lives he touched in his 81 years. Through many years of failing health, I am amazed at how steadfast his faith remained. As far as being a daddy goes, he has set the bar very high.
As some of you know, my dad was a professional photographer. For more than 45 years, he made wedding pictures, portraits, school pictures, and snapshots, just to name a few. He told us many years ago that he had already surpassed 1,000,000 pictures. He possessed a gift of making people laugh and smile and the ability to capture, in each picture, a lasting impression of a moment of time. If a picture is worth a thousand words, all the volumes of World Book encyclopedia could not contain the number of words he was able to create. Each picture, in its own way, resonated with love and memories that last a lifetime.
Mom has accepted the inevitable. She has been comforted knowing that he is in a better place where he no longer hurts or needs a wheelchair. For 55 years, they have been inseparable. For the past 16 years, she was the caretaker and never complained about the increased responsibilities that she was forced to assume. She has pulled off a Herculean effort and performed her duties (out of love) with dignity and class.
Having parents like Bill and Molly, I am blessed. It will take some time to count all of my blessings; I will start one by one. Our time on earth is brief, but our contribution is not contingent upon deadlines and accumulations. The quality of our life is based upon the difference we make in the lives of others. Oh, what a difference Dad made.
My family and I sincerely thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this time. It is my prayer that the “snapshots” of your life display warmth and create an album of peace and serenity. And may each one of you one day hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
As for my dad, that he was.
A proud son of Bill Brown,
Sincerely,
Brad Brown
For all of the editorials and opinions, see the Dec. 31 issue of The Commerce News.
At times, I have felt guilty that I, or the doctors, could have done more to prevent death from rearing its ugly face. Then I realize how arrogant and conceited of me to think that I, or anyone, could prevent death from knocking and entering at a time that God allows.
I am reminded of the life my dad lived and how many lives he touched in his 81 years. Through many years of failing health, I am amazed at how steadfast his faith remained. As far as being a daddy goes, he has set the bar very high.
As some of you know, my dad was a professional photographer. For more than 45 years, he made wedding pictures, portraits, school pictures, and snapshots, just to name a few. He told us many years ago that he had already surpassed 1,000,000 pictures. He possessed a gift of making people laugh and smile and the ability to capture, in each picture, a lasting impression of a moment of time. If a picture is worth a thousand words, all the volumes of World Book encyclopedia could not contain the number of words he was able to create. Each picture, in its own way, resonated with love and memories that last a lifetime.
Mom has accepted the inevitable. She has been comforted knowing that he is in a better place where he no longer hurts or needs a wheelchair. For 55 years, they have been inseparable. For the past 16 years, she was the caretaker and never complained about the increased responsibilities that she was forced to assume. She has pulled off a Herculean effort and performed her duties (out of love) with dignity and class.
Having parents like Bill and Molly, I am blessed. It will take some time to count all of my blessings; I will start one by one. Our time on earth is brief, but our contribution is not contingent upon deadlines and accumulations. The quality of our life is based upon the difference we make in the lives of others. Oh, what a difference Dad made.
My family and I sincerely thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this time. It is my prayer that the “snapshots” of your life display warmth and create an album of peace and serenity. And may each one of you one day hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
As for my dad, that he was.
A proud son of Bill Brown,
Sincerely,
Brad Brown
For all of the editorials and opinions, see the Dec. 31 issue of The Commerce News.
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#1
dfb
on
01/01/09 at 09:32 AM
[Reply]
I remember the old school pictures. It was impossible not to smile when he was behind the camera.
#2
Don Hill
on
02/20/09 at 11:56 AM
[Reply]
I can still remember him behind the camera saying, "One, two, THWEE!" when I was a little boy. Got a laugh every time!
