It's July 4, 2013 and I
can't let the day pass without recognizing a handful of events that have
impacted my life ~ in no significant order. My dear godly, compassionate,
loyal, patient friend, Jo Anne Bridges celebrates a milestone birthday
today. She is my confidante, and she is my fellow grammarian without whom
I might be at a loss for words. (Imagine that!) May she be
blessed with many more birthdays as she blesses others in myriad ways.
Thankfully, we are
bombarded with good wishes and messages of celebration of
the official birthday of our country. It never fails to warm my
heart, revive my spirit, rekindle hope and bring to memory supreme sacrifices
as folks across the nation spill out evidence of patriotism
and gratitude for the freedom we often seem to take for granted. May God
forgive us when apathy steals our fervor; and may He
patiently continue to bless America!
Another reason for
celebration in the McMackin family is that of my dad's cheating death
after an enemy bomb shot his plane down in the Pacific
Ocean during World War II on July 4, 1944. Although he never used the
term "miracle" it was obvious that some amazing things came
together that day that led to his survival. We always spoke of that event
on Independence Day.
The last event on which
to reflect on this date is the death of my dear, dear brother, Richard. He
passed prematurely from this life on July 4, 2007 after a brief illness.
Strangely, I often think of the day he was born. I was in the first grade and I
have a strong visual image of Daddy coming to get me after school and telling
me that I had a new baby brother. I loved him so, as did everyone who knew him.
He was dependable, hard-working, generous and a somewhat private man of few
words. But when he spoke one listened. He was hilariously funny, and would have
haunted us if we had planned a somber funeral for him. That day of celebration
of his life the church was filled with friends who shared special connections
with him. He was passionate about donating his remains to UA Medical School for
research ~ just one example of his exceptionally unselfish nature. I don't
think I've ever known a more humble man, and I will always have a bruise in my
heart for this loss.
An emotional day this
is. As I've composed this I've run the gamut of feelings, ending with tears for
Richard ~ but sprinkled with pride in freedom in America, joy in my friend's
birthday, wonder at my dad's survival, and gratitude and glory to God for all.
