My grandfather graduated from
Saint Louis University more than 100 years ago with a medical degree. (I love
that connection with St. Louis and my own family tree.) Unfortunately the study
of medicine didn’t prevent John Benjamin Morgan (my grandfather) from losing
his life to heart disease before he reached the age I will celebrate later this
month. Meanwhile my dad is still living and expressing himself in water color
paintings every day at the age of 93. My father remembers when his mother (my
grandmother) passed away. She lived into her 80s. On her deathbed she asked, “What
does it all mean, Jimmy?” I can’t help reflecting on that innocent question
from time to time. Especially when you lose someone.
Years ago, when I was on my
way to my own High School Graduation, I was listening to Cat Stevens (probably
on an 8-Track player in my father’s Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme). “Oh very
young, what will you leave us this time? ...You’re only dancing on this earth
for a short while…” I was moved by that song to the point of replaying the tune
over and over again.
Tragically, recent news in
St. Louis of a hit-and-run driver resulting in the death of Amber Wood, a young
woman in her 20s with everything to live for becomes another painful reminder
of how fragile this life really is. Her mom is bravely dealing with the
incredible loss with periodic posts on facebook. Friends are quick to offer
prayers and expressions of sympathy. I can’t imagine the grief. I hope and pray
the memories of Amber will give her mom courage to carry on.
Oh very young, what will you leave us this time? You’re
only dancin’ on this earth for a short while…
