CAN you do my funeral?" asked Nic with a wry smile, "it'll be soon." That was 14 inspiring weeks ago.
On Tuesday I will do it - a celebration of a celebrated naval artist and of an amazing man who packed two lives into his allotted 56 years - "I'm really 112 years old," he'd smile.
What amazes most about this "lovely big man" is his last heroic voyage.
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No fear. No giving in; fighting a rearguard action as if one of his beloved battleships.
When cancer claimed his voice, he battled on roaring with laughter when visitors couldn't quite understand his gestures.
Tears welled also yet often above a smile, a moving combination.
At root was his belief that death was a new beginning with a new body and a new set of challenges.
About this time of the year, he believed he'd spring back to life because "I've always believed in Jesus and God, and they've brought resurrection."
After inviting me to do his funeral, he spent an hour telling me of HMS Warspite, a super dreadnaught that survived Jutland, claiming many enemy ships.
Often hit, it limped back to port, through ramming u-boats.
The ship that wouldn't die survived another world war and en route to the scrapyard, Warspite escaped by ramming itself into the Cornish coast.
As Nic's tale unfolded it dawned that he was talking about himself.
I think he only went this week knowing there was a recommissioning on the other side, and another voyage.
Posted by: simplysimon, burnley on 12:09pm Sat 19 Apr 08
Dear Kev,
I'm sure everyone would think of it the same way. An Atheist would have exactly the same Hope.
Even in dire straights, Regardless of Religion, there is always Hope!
Dear Kev,
I'm sure everyone would think of it the same way. An Atheist would have exactly the same Hope.
Even in dire straights, Regardless of Religion, there is always Hope!
Posted by: Nostradamos, Blackburn on 4:20pm Sat 19 Apr 08
Kevin,on here we have many differences of oppinion and thankfully none of us are afraid to express those thoughts and oppinions,then you go and spoil it all by posting something has nice and genuine as this lovely epetaph..
Nic did seem a to be a very extraordinary man certainly a very couragous man,i hope he can now find some peace at last in whatever comes next..RIP Nic.
Kevin,on here we have many differences of oppinion and thankfully none of us are afraid to express those thoughts and oppinions,then you go and spoil it all by posting something has nice and genuine as this lovely epetaph..
Nic did seem a to be a very extraordinary man certainly a very couragous man,i hope he can now find some peace at last in whatever comes next..RIP Nic.
Posted by: simplysimon, burnley on 1:31pm Sun 20 Apr 08
Don't worry about Nic. It's the living that count. This is the voyage that needs to be Understood. Don't be concerned about the 'next' one.
Understand what it means to be included in [italic]this[/italic] journey. What is the destination of [italic]Your[/italic] voyage.?
Don't be distracted with guesswork and speculations about the 'next' one. There are many maps with many possible destinations, many possible routes, but unless you know exactly [italic]where you are[/italic] all the maps are useless.
No one has [bold]ever[/bold] regretted dying. Many, many, millions of People have regretted missing the [italic]Golden Opportunity[/italic] that this Beautiful Life presented to them.
Don't worry about Nic. It's the living that count. This is the voyage that needs to be Understood. Don't be concerned about the 'next' one.
Understand what it means to be included in this journey. What is the destination of Your voyage.?
Don't be distracted with guesswork and speculations about the 'next' one. There are many maps with many possible destinations, many possible routes, but unless you know exactly where you are all the maps are useless.
No one has ever regretted dying. Many, many, millions of People have regretted missing the Golden Opportunity that this Beautiful Life presented to them.
Posted by: Joseph Yossarian, London on 8:18am Mon 21 Apr 08
Maybe the rev. should take over the obits column. He seems to be better at this sort of thing than his usual [italic](misogenist homophobic creationist divisive misleading and downright incorrect pack of fibs)[/italic] comments in his usual weekly blog....
Maybe the rev. should take over the obits column. He seems to be better at this sort of thing than his usual (misogenist homophobic creationist divisive misleading and downright incorrect pack of fibs) comments in his usual weekly blog....
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