The foothills of Heaven
this life has been called
marked by footprints
of what waits in store.
Eternity’s summit. Celestial air
and the promise of, oh, so much more.
The foothills of Heaven
invite us to climb
while exploring the beauty we see
in the love of a mate
and contentment at work as we wait for
what one day will be.
We celebrated the life and faith of Zach Mason (the son of my college classmate) last Saturday. It was the day before the Seahawks final game of this unforgettable season. Ironically, the last time I spent time with Zach was the Saturday before the Seahawks first game of the season last September.
That was the day I was able to host him in his wheelchair on a tour of the Seahawks training facility in Renton. Both Saturdays were bittersweet occasions. I shared with the congregation last Saturday memories of that first Saturday when Zach focused his gaze on the Vince Lombardi trophy from Super Bowl XLVIII displayed in the VMAC lobby.
In my eulogy I shared my hope that the Seahawks would add a second Super Bowl trophy with a win over the Patriots as a way of honoring Zach. In my preparation to speak at Zach’s memorial, I discovered another irony. Zach passed away two weeks shy of his 40th birthday from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. What I didn’t know was that Lou Gehrig died two weeks before his 38th birthday.Both men, who died way too young, credited their parents with helping them achieve in their various platforms of pursuit. Both had optimistic outlooks on life. They were thumbs-up young men!
As I looked back at the photos I took of Zach on the day we toured the VMAC, it dawned on me how often he posed with a thumbs-up gesture. That inspired me to write the following poem to share at the memorial service. (It was put to music by our gifted friend Dave Irish.)
Thumbs-up Zach,
you signaled hope.
Your ready smile
(though steep the slope)
conveyed a faith
in One unseen
to whom your soul belongs.
Thumbs-up Zach,
we miss your smile
that eased our worries
midst your trials.
Your can-do gesture
was a sign
that all would be okay.
Thumbs-up Zach,
you loved your girl.
She was the essence
of your world.
With Zoe,
you found inner strength
to persevere and fight.
Thumbs-up Zach,
you are okay.
Your skies are blue,
while ours are gray.
You’re home with Jesus,
strong and free.
Someday we will be too!
* Zachary Christian Mason is survived by his parents Dick and Debra, his brother Jordan and his daughter Zoe. Peace to his memory!
They call us to come home and sing
because they know the King of Kings
is coming for His family.
Oh, what a happy day!
Yes, Heaven is the Gaithers’ theme
where saints and angels live our dream
of gathering around the throne
and worshiping the Lamb.
There is something about that Name
of One who didn’t die in vain,
but conquered death redeeming grief.
Because He lives, we sing!
A Homecoming’s both now and then
to blend our voices once again
creating something beautiful.
So, let’s just praise the Lord!
* I wrote this poem especially for an All-Gaither Hymn Sing I was asked to lead at Cristwood Park, a faith-based senior adult community in suburban Seattle. I dedicate it to Bill and Gloria Gaither who have been a source of inspiration for millions (including me) over the past half century. During my dad’s battle with bone cancer, I would often sit with him and watch Gaither music videos holding his hand. Their heartfelt music was a source of inspiration.
I attended a Gaither Homecoming Gospel Sing with my mom a few months before my father died in 2008. The above photo was taken on that occasion at the Tacoma Dome where we were extended a backstage pass to join the Gaithers and their team for dinner prior to the concert. It was an experience I will never forget.
My dearest daughter,
I know your heart is broken.
As the last words spoken between us
echo in your mind,
please know I’m not blind to your tears.
I can imagine your fears
of facing the challenges of tomorrows
without being able to pick up the phone and call me.
But as Jesus told his best friends
the night before He died,
“Don’t let your heart be troubled!
Don’t be afraid.”
This One in whose presence I now find joy
will never leave you or forsake you.
He will comfort you as only He can.
He will carry you when you are too weak to stand.
He will fill your heart with memories we made.
In the heat of death valley, He will be your shade.
Please know that the time and space between us
is only a temporary separation.
The gulf of grief will be spanned by grace.
It won’t be long until you see my face again.
Remember, a family reunion awaits.
In the meantime,
care for your mom.
Lean into your sorrow.
Embrace the ache.
Speak my name.
Look at my pictures.
Forgive my mistakes.
Honor my memory by the choices you make.
And each morning when you wake,
thank the Lord He placed us in the same family.
He graced us with the privilege of being father and daughter.
Be grateful He gave us each other
for the years that we shared on earth
(and the time we will have in Heaven).
Never forget how much I love you
and how proud I am to be your dad.
See you soon!
Dad
My Rhymes and Reasons 