Comments on: Death Lessons https://www.thesmartset.com/death-lessons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=death-lessons A magazine of arts & culture from Drexel University Thu, 26 May 2022 00:29:41 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 By: Larry Patten https://www.thesmartset.com/death-lessons/#comment-20796 Thu, 26 May 2022 00:29:41 +0000 https://www.thesmartset.com/?p=57737#comment-20796 In reply to Winnie Birdsong.

Thanks, Winnie.

]]> By: Larry Patten https://www.thesmartset.com/death-lessons/#comment-20795 Thu, 26 May 2022 00:29:16 +0000 https://www.thesmartset.com/?p=57737#comment-20795 In reply to Linda Tshimika.

Thanks, Linda.

]]> By: Larry Patten https://www.thesmartset.com/death-lessons/#comment-20794 Thu, 26 May 2022 00:28:48 +0000 https://www.thesmartset.com/?p=57737#comment-20794 In reply to Geoff.

Thanks, Geoff.

]]> By: Geoff https://www.thesmartset.com/death-lessons/#comment-20790 Tue, 24 May 2022 07:07:30 +0000 https://www.thesmartset.com/?p=57737#comment-20790 I am one whom Larry counseled about death. He was the Youth Pastor at our church when I was a teenager. I drove him nuts at times, but he always met me with Christian love in his heart. I was saddened to hear that he left a congregation, but i thought he’d make a wonderful hospice counselor. So when my OWN son drowned in the Consumnes River in April 2020, I knew I had to talk with him. I quickly told him I needed to make sure relationship with God was on firm footing. Then he did the darn destiny thing – he asked why. I couldn’t believe that a man of God like Larry would even think to ask such a question. Doesn’t he believe that everyone should have a strong relationship with whatever God they understand? I told him why. We talked for 30 minutes or so … it was a Sunday. He told me he firmly believes that God doesn’t take us, he receives us. The words were such a comfort. They still are. I ended the conversation by saying he was amazingly good at this. Some say God puts everyone in your life there for a reason.

Wonderful writing, Larry. I’ll be reading whatever you post or get published.

]]> By: Linda Tshimika https://www.thesmartset.com/death-lessons/#comment-20787 Mon, 23 May 2022 17:15:08 +0000 https://www.thesmartset.com/?p=57737#comment-20787 I always learn something from Larry. Even a line said or written perhaps casually carries a nugget of insight, nourishment, growth. Thank you for sharing your gift of wisdom.

]]> By: Winnie Birdsong https://www.thesmartset.com/death-lessons/#comment-20786 Mon, 23 May 2022 14:29:06 +0000 https://www.thesmartset.com/?p=57737#comment-20786 I’ve been following this pastor and his writings for a few years now and am constantly drawn to his humanity and humility. This essay is another reminder of those qualities and gives me an added respect for the duties of a minister. Death will come a callin’ and will probably take most of us by surprise, (or horror, or relief). I’ve only been to a handful of funerals; some were simple and moving and one with a fanfare fit for a king. Which one helped the family deal with grief more?
I hope I have someone like Larry Patten to comfort and listen, without judgement, when this ride called life comes to an end for me or a loved one. I know his book: A Companion for the Hospice Journey certainly helped me understand why we all need to be prepared for the eventuality of death.
His piece, Death Lessons, also reminds me of a haunting poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, a comfort and a reminder:
…The woods are lovely dark, and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep…

]]>