One Wedding and a Funeral

Yesterday Nancy and I drove to Akron, Ohio for my nephews wedding. Scott and Carols oldest son, Joel Boerckel married Monica Amaretti. It was a really neat wedding. Scott did a great job officiating. Joel's brother Mark was the best man. There were many touching moments.

The reception was a blast. I have not laughed so hard in a long time. Monica's family pretty much dominated the dance floor, as our side is not known for busting moves. We don't dance, but we sure can eat.

We had to get up at 4:00 today to get back in time to attend Nick Perri's funeral. I've been counseling Nick off and on for over 5 years. His death by drug overdose came as a shock. He was only 21 years old. He and Jimmy used to play on the same little league team. Nancy even babysat him a few times. Nick went to our church.

I was asked to give part of the eulogy. Here is a little of what I said.

"I had the privilege of knowing Nick Perri. We prayed together. We laughed and cried together. He trusted me enough to open his heart and share his pain. And Nick had a lot of pain. But Nick was so much more than his problems. We are here to celebrate his life and to help each other heal. But we are not here to say goodbye. We are here to say, " We'll see ya later Nick." You see, Nick is more alive right now than he's ever been. The Bible says, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Nick is with Jesus right now. He is experiencing a new life of joy and freedom. I don't feel sorry for Nick. I feel a little envious of him."

Joel and Monica began a new life. It was a celebration of each finding their true love and becoming one. It brought an end to their previous lives of searching. Monica, the bride, walked forward to be with Joel, the bridegroom, forsaking all others.

Nick began a new life. It was a celebration of him finding his True Love and becoming one with Christ. It brought an end to his previous life of searching. Nick, the bride of Christ, walked forward to be with Jesus, the bridegroom, forsaking all others.

One wedding and a funeral. We shed tears at each.