Ascension : Grotto News - Thought For The Week
Submitted by The Islander (Shari Parkhill) 24.06.2010 (Article Archived on 15.07.2010)

This past weekend we celebrated Father’s Day, a day where we honour our fathers.

This past weekend we celebrated Father’s Day, a day where we honour our fathers.  It usually sneaks up on me since I lost my father in 2002.  He lived a long life, and was very ill in his last days.  His wife, children and a grandchild were all with him when he passed from this world to the next.  He went with the blessings of those who loved him.  But it makes Father’s Day bittersweet now.  While I remember him as a wonderful father, I can only speak to him and tell him that in my prayers.

Father’s Day this year has been marred by a great tragedy here on Ascension when Ursula Harris lost her husband Darren, and little Brooke lost her beloved Daddy.  There was no warning, there were no opportunities to bid farewell, and no understanding of how a fine man could be taken away from those he loved and who loved him dearly. 

On occasions as this, everyone who knew the person who is lost, is lost for reasons as to why and how this happened.  There is no reason why, but we still struggle with that very question.  Terrible things happen, and we have no control over them.  We are simply left to deal with the shock, the tragedy, and the loss.  Those closest to Darren, his wife, daughter, step-children, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, are left to mourn, to comfort each other and to go on living without a vital influence in their lives. 

But his influence will remain in their lives forever.  Memories are a powerful part of our lives, the memories of those we have loved and lost will live in our hearts and our souls forever.  And when the immediate grief starts to subside, these memories will be what sustain Ursula, Brooke and all those who loved Darren. 

May Ursula and Brooke and their loved ones find comfort in the sympathy, comfort, consolation, support and love of their friends and family.  With this help, we will all pray that the time comes when the memories of Darren bring more smiles than tears.  May Brooke grow up with wonderful memories of her special Daddy.  May she always feel his presence in her life, and know that he is watching over her from Heaven. 

May God bless Ursula, Brooke, the Harris family and all those who loved Darren in this time of grief and sadness.  May He hold them in His hands and His heart, and may their faith bring them comfort. 

Rest in peace, Darren.  You will be missed.