Ties That Bind

Edna and Charlie's house on Randolph

Our very first Sunday in Eufaula, Charlie and Edna introduced themselves to us, then proceeded to say how happy they were to finally meet the minister that would perform their funeral. While this sounds morbid, in Charlie and Edna's case, ages 89 and 88 respectively, this was just plain realistic. So, when Charlie passed away on Saturday, weeks shy of his 90th birthday, I thought of the prophetic words of our first meeting with a smile.

The last time we visited with Charlie and Edna was on my birthday. Our family was out for a walk and they were shelling pecans on their front porch. As we walked by, they called to us and welcomed us up. They brought out cookies and dolls for the girls and Dave and I shelled a few pecans. We didn't stay long because the girls were becoming restless, though we promised to come back sometime and stay a bit longer.

At the visitation last night, Edna flitted from person to person, assuring us that she was doing fine and that Charlie's passing had in fact been a blessing. Around her neck, she wore a gold chain with Charlie's wedding ring. They had been married for over 60 years. Mayor Jaxon shared that his elderly mother, who lives across the street from the Presbyterian church and watches from her window all the comings and goings, had called him after church last week to say that she was concerned that she had not seen Charlie and Edna that morning. Charlie had passed away the night before.

I love Mayor Jaxon's story. I love it because it illustrates a few different things. First, it speaks to the faithfulness of Charlie and Edna; faithfulness to church in the midst of illness and bad weather. This faithfulness was exemplified in all areas of their lives: faithfulness to family; faithfulness to friends; faithfulness to one another. This story also beautifully defines the kind of town we live in. People watch out for each other here. We know what's going on in each other's lives, for better or for worse. At its worst, it can be annoying; at its best, it is a blessing.

When Dave performs a funeral service in Eufaula, it has to be authentic because he knows and cares for the people here. He knows their stories; where they came from and why they're here. Many times, he knows their children and grandchildren, too. We pray for Edna's comfort, and we know that this community will embrace her like family.