Last Saturday, my brother left a voice message that our distant cousin Scott from Woodbridge had fallen into a coma from a stroke. The next day on Sunday morning, my mom called me that he had died.
Besides the usual pleasantries exchanged at family functions, we weren't really close, but he was such a caring individual. He was a distant relative who lived a couple miles from my parents' house. Due to the large age difference, family members close to my age or younger called him "Uncle" Scott.
He was in his mid 60s. Very tall in stature, but very quiet in temperament. Quite creative also.
One would say that he was a gentle giant. He had a good word with you when I visited.
A couple of his creations were a pair of handmade, native solybao drums.
On Monday, mom invited me to a nightly novena meeting held each night before the funeral at "Auntie" Janet's house where Scott lived. The majority of family clan members are Catholic.
At the last minute, I decided to go.
Just a couple hours ago, my family and I came back from the viewing. I was surprised that it was such a sad event as well as a celebration to see old friends and family. Everyone is on their best behavior. Quite a number of people showed up for the viewing. Friends and family from Maryland, Virginia Beach, and Georgia came to say their last farewells.
I was pleasantly surprised to hear about Scott's early decision to be baptized into the Episcopalian church. I learned more about his life in the last few hours than any other time.
Silent water does run deep. He was an accomplished individual.
A Time for Everything
1There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
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