What do we leave behind? What is life? Why are we here?

The past five years have been a rough and rocky road for Richard and Grace Murray and their loving family. They penetrated into the deep mystery of death and dying. This is one of the most important.-personal events and encounters in our life. (Dick was my son, Charlie’s, father-in-law).

Awareness of death is not meant to scare us but to wake us up to the brevity of life and to its many challenges, to make us more present and more alive to the glories about us and to the needs of the poor and suffering.

Dick lived inside an affliction of Alzheimer’s disease, going to sleep after five years. God’s safe harbor in heaven was waiting with uninterrupted joy and emotional tranquility.

Alzheimer’s is called a family disease because the chronic stress of watching loved ones slowly decline affects everyone. The disease poses real challenges for the person diagnosed and to the family. An effective treatment will address the needs of the entire family who want the best possible care for their loved one which, he had, at Seal Rock Healthcare in Saco.

Death has mystery, we are told, but is not to be dreaded. There are disasters and sorrow in the world that make us wonder. In a little while earthly life ends and the great night of death comes. We cry and mourn greatly. The shovel of the grave-digger isn’t the end of a person.

For people who believe the Holy Writ it is read with humility. Inside the prayers we hear the voice of Christ: “I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)

We brush away a tear as we remember of what matters in this world. Dick Murray loved, treasured, and cherished life. He was a loving husband who sacrificially loved his wife. The braiding together of a man’s strength and a woman’s love result in a beautiful relationship.

The Murrays made a healthy marriage that reveals rare and beautiful treasures. He loved and cared for his family. He shared his love of sports by playing himself and being a shining coach to children. He was the founder of Babe Ruth Baseball and co-founder of Maremont Little League in Saco.

Life has a great meaning and man’s life is a trial. Richard had several hobbies and worked for the city in different positions: Saco City Council, public works director for 12 years, and Saco Recreation Director.

Many will remember him as the man who happily passed out roses that he grew. I was a lucky one to enjoy the blueberries that he picked in the Heath.

Funerals touch our soul. The talents of the Reverend Howe touched the heart of all of us. The holy sermon sent Dick of with the words of God. Spirited food that we all need at these times.

At the funeral, armed with daughter-in-law knowledge, Kathy Murray meaningfully honored her father-in-law with beautiful, well-chosen words. In a world that is marked by uncertainty and fear, gone mad with war, strife among families and friends, and the media reflecting violent scenes worldwide, we are left with a faded distant view of what lies ahead.

What do we leave behind?