Memorial Service

HARRINGTON, Francis Edward Harrington, III, 73, of Mesa, AZ passed from this world into the presence of Jesus Christ, his Savior, on September 11, 2011, in Mesa. He is survived by his wife, Mary Harrington, a son, Kenneth, and a daughter, Kristina. His daughter, Elisabeth, predeceased him on February 11, 2006. A memorial service will be held at 2pm Saturday, October 1, at Christchurch, 7464 E. Main St., Mesa. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to either Moody Bible Institute, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610 or Christchurch (see address above).

Gone Home

In some ways, we were not expecting an end to this blog. But in God's timing, the love of my life has gone Home to be with His Lord at 7:35am this morning. He spent about 7 hours in a Hospice facility before leaving this world. Saturday he came down with a high fever and pain that couldn't be relieved by all his pain medication. So we took him to be admitted at a Hospice facility about 4 miles away in hopes they could give him stronger medication. They tried everything, even morphine, to no avail. He spent a restless night. By morning he was talking and seemed to be calmer. The nurse left for a few minutes, and when she came back he was gone.

Today, September "11" brings three significant memories for me. Ten years since 9/"11," our daughter, Lesa, passed away on February "11," and my love went Home on 9/"11." Could all this be "coincidental?" I don't think so!

Today was planned a special "Celebration of Families" along with a celebration for our 55th Anniversary at our church. Of course Ed wanted to be there. But the celebration went on with so many of our "church family." We included in that a "celebration of Ed's life." What a special celebration that was! A number of "family" members planned it all and created a 50's theme, which was the time Ed and I started going together and eventually marrying. It brought back so many good memories.

So, it's been an eventful day for me. We so appreciate how you have stood with us in prayer and uplifting comments throughout this journey. I praise God for your friendship.

John 5:24 says, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my Word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."

Pain

What causes pain? Whatever it is, the pain pills I receive from Hospice really help control it for which I am very grateful. Last Saturday I was taking more of the pain meds than I had ever taken before, and I wasn’t getting relief. Being a rational and practical sort of guy, I thought that maybe the growing tumor was putting pressure on some organs and it could increase until no amount of pain pills would help. Not a very good ending for a guy who doesn’t like pain. Resting and medicating myself all day Saturday resulted in Sunday afternoon being much better.

Another possibility to my excessive pain could be attributed to my excessive Friday activities. Our grandson, Chris, and his lovely bride, Kylie, visited us during their honeymoon. What a wonderful but busy day, and that may have contributed to my bad Saturday. Lesson learned: Don’t overdue Ed!

I received some unexpected encouragement this week while reading the fourth chapter of Acts. “When they...realized that they (Peter and John) were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” If I was able to choose how I wanted to be remembered, I would hope others would say that I was a man that “had been with Jesus.” What was it about Peter and John that was different? Their character? Places they went? What they read? People they hung out with? Their concern and actions toward others? Guess that I’ll have to continue thinking on this one.

How much effect did your prayers have on me recovering last Sunday afternoon? I honestly don’t know, but I do know that I am grateful for each of you and your prayers. We have a big God who can do anything! Thanks.

Fifty-five Years

On Tuesday, August 30th, we celebrated 55 wonderful years of marriage at a small Thai restaurant.

Were all of those years smooth sailing and without turbulence? Of course not! When it rains everyone gets wet. So why do some survive and others crumble during the storms of life? There is a story in the Bible about two men who built houses. One built on the rock and the other built on the sand. Which was standing after the storm? What makes the difference between where we build our house or life? The one on the rock not only knew God’s truth from the Bible, but he put it into practice. He applied it. There is the answer to why some survive.

Have we always obeyed God? No, but the desire of our hearts has been to honor, obey, worship, and please Him in all of life’s events. Because of His grace and mercy we have made it this far, and we’re looking ahead to the next 55 years! Every year gets better when Christ as Lord.

My Hospice nurse, and other friends who see me, can’t believe that I’m feeling and looking so well. Some have commented of my strong faith. How I appreciate the compliment, but I feel that I have the least amount of faith of anyone I know. Only God gets me through one day at a time. Actually it is a really stress free way to live. I suggest that we all try it for a week.

As you can see by how I’m doing, your prayers are being answered. Thanks so much.

A Sure Investment!

A friend of ours lost her job after fourteen years. Other friends lost their home in a foreclosure. My pension fund is not worth what is was a few years ago. We are living in anxious times when many wonder where a secure and safe investment can be found. I found it while reading I Timothy 2:4, “God...wants all men to be saved...”

While pondering this statement, I came to the conclusion that if God wants people saved then some must be lost. So how does God get the people on the lost side of the bridge across to the saved side? Since He is God, can’t He just pick them up and carry them across or does He give us the opportunity to be involved in this miraculous process? I sincerely believe that He allows us to invest our lives in others for eternity. Everyday is another day of decision! What will I invest in--temporal things of this world that will pass away or in people who are lost and would like to be saved? What better way to end my journey here than to hear my loving Heavenly Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” If you’re still anxious about the economy, try investing your life in others.

My Hospice nurse made her weekly visit to see how I’m doing. For a guy who wouldn’t even take an aspirin for a headache, I’m transitioning to my pain meds satisfactorily. Never thought I’d see the day that I’d be like those "old" folk I observe taking all those pills! Now I am one! But I thank God daily for the quality of life that I can have in this winter season of my life as a result of a few pills.

As the tumor grows the pain increases, but because of so many of you praying, God’s grace is sufficient. Thank you dear friends for your concern and prayers.

Do What is Right!

This has been a good week. We continue to receive phone calls, cards, and emails~some from folk we haven’t heard from for over forty years. How grateful we are to have such caring friends. So what is the lesson for me? Don’t wait until my friends get terminal before I encourage them!

My pain is under control and Hospice has provided me with an energy pill to help get me “moving,” and it seems to be helping.

Sunday was fabulous, as always, as we worshipped our awesome God at church, and afterwards we enjoyed an Old Chicago deep dish pizza with a church friend. Monday was our library day when we exchanged our weekly DVDs~watching an old movie is an excellent relaxer since we discontinued our cable TV service over a year ago. Tuesday I had my routine six week stent replaced in my ureter ~if any surgical procedure can be considered routine! Wednesday and Thursday were days of email and other business catch-up tasks (we’re not yet caught up!) Friday night was a highlight of our week as we again gathered with friends for fellowship and discussion of Bible truths.

I titled this, “Do what is right!” It is a challenge today to find people in the news doing what is right, but I found one just this morning while reading 2 Chronicles: “Joash (King of Judah) did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” Wouldn’t you like that on your tombstone? “(Name) did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” The wonderful part of this challenge is that it is never too late to do what is right no matter how bad we’ve messed up before. God forgives! Didn’t Jesus die for our sins? Remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Thanks for following us on this journey. Your prayers continue to keep us focused on others and not ourselves. Keep praying!

Cancer/Hospice

One week ago I signed up for Hospice care since the tumor in my back continues to grow and did not respond to the chemo treatments. Hospice will control any pain and do all that is possible to make me comfortable.

This week was very encouraging. Besides celebrating my birthday, we had several visits from friends and phone calls from folk we haven’t talked to for quite awhile. Isn’t it wonderful to have friends?

My highlight for the week from God’s word is Matthew 24 where Jesus said, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” With the tumor sucking the energy out of me, I don’t feel like watching for anything. Then I had this image of me lounging on the couch with a bag of potato chips watching a game show on TV. There is a knock at the door and as I look through the peek hole I see Jesus! Wow! Do I invite Him in or try to clean up my act first?

Maybe you’ll be challenged, as I am, and spend more time watching and preparing for His return. Please continue to pray that I’ll end well. He has promised to never leave me~and He hasn’t!