My wife and I attended the funeral of a very good friend the other day.In his 80s, many might think if not actually say, "He had a good innings". He may well have had a longer innings had he not suffered the ravages of dementia. A chronic condition if ever there is one.
Before retirement he was a doctor by profession with expertise in several fields. Very necessary in a provincial town. In retirement he volunteered to help in our church's day-care program specifically designed for people who had a physical and/or intellectual disability. So many guests knew they were safe in his company. He was also a respected member of the Tongan community. His generous life crossed national boundaries to bless untold numbers of people.
He loved his wife and children dearly. Yet with all the good he did in Australia and other places he lived, I am yet to read a piece that said 'Thank you' for all he had done. And I am okay with that. He held a deep faith in God Who was his guiding Light. I know as did he that he wasn't perfect, yet he went about quietly doing good and thousands are better for it. My dear friend lived a life way above the ordinary. I am encouraged and blessed just thinking of him. An extraordinary legacy to the living. He was a great friend...and I miss him.