.Real.Greg.Lee.

I just got back from doing Josh’s funeral and like everything else associated with this young man, it was a powerful experience.  For me, funerals are always about honoring the best of someone who has passed and helping people look to God for both comfort in this life and hope for the next one.

No doubt, in some ways this was a hard funeral – any funeral for a 12 year old would be.  In other ways, it was actually easier…because if honoring the best of someone is my goal, I had more material to work with than I could ever use.  He was incredible.

I’m going to post some parts of what I shared here to honor his memory and encourage others.  I know I saw a ton of Suncrest folks who waited in the three hour line last night, but could not be there today.

On life and death:

-As a pastor, I see my share of life and death, joy and heartache, pain and inspiration.  But we can acknowledge something together as we begin today, can’t we?  This is no normal circumstance.

 

-Because Josh loved – and was loved – with incredible passion, today does mark a loss.  It leaves us with grief.  It creates emptiness in our human hearts.  It leaves us with questions, some of which are not just challenging, but literally unanswerable.  We won’t act this morning as if those feelings do not exist.  And yet, in sync with the desires of Josh and his family today’s remembrance will celebrate a life well-lived, a journey marked by strengthand influenceand lessons for all of us to learn.

 

-One of the conversations I’ve had repeatedly since we learned of Josh’s death is that we should never confuse a long life with a full life.

 

From Josh himself (as written on the caring bridge website):

 

April 2 (his final entry):  I’m going into the next phase of the chemo drug combo that starts tonight, so I front loaded with chocolate chip cookies, 1/2 quart of lemon rice soup (thanks Main Street Cafe), 3 popsicles…banana of course, and washed it down with a Goose Island root beer (thanks Costellos)!  I’ve cleared my social schedule to get plenty rest for the Jammin for Josh tomorrow….SUPER EXCITED to see everyone.   I may not seem to be the same Josh, but don’t worry, I’m still the same trouble maker, just the more quiet type these days.

 

Feb 9 – I am ready for spring! My dog and I sat outside on saturday and recharged my freckles.

 

Oct 22 (before 2nd surgery):  I asked him (the doctor) if I was his kid what would he do, I’m asking all the docs that question. The first surgery I did not know how risky it was and my mom did not tell me, and I’m glad she didn’t. This time it is different, the tumor is in a different area of the brain, as the doctor said the tumor is in the high rent district. He explained that there is a risk of my motor skills being affected. I asked him if my memory would be loss, I think I could live with maybe not being able to walk, but I want to know people and remember memories.

 

Oct 6 (along with his dog named Wrigley, he had been so excited to see his beloved cubs make the playoffs, but then lose in the first round): 

   Dear Cubs,

   You broke my heart.  And you owe me $40.00 to change my dog’s name!
   Love,
   Josh

 

On How God used Josh and his story to carry-out his work (See John 9:1-3):

 

1.  He drew us all together to function like a family/church/community should.  (He was actually quite sure one day he would be the mayor of Crown Point!)

 

2.  He modeled for us JOY in the midst of frustration and pain.  Jesus said we should expect trouble in this world.  Josh showed us how to respond when it comes.

 

3.  He taught all of us about heaven.  He described his look out the windows of the Chicago hospitals as “million dollar views”.  The view he has today is even better. (see Revelation 21:1-7)

 

4.  He showed us how to live life with intentionality.  It can actually be a great gift to face the fact that your days are numbered.  The way he lived was designed to leave a legacy…Is mine?  Is yours? 

 

 

Thanks, Josh, for teaching us and making this journey with grace.  See you in heaven.

 

 

 

~ by Greg Lee on April 20, 2009.

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