Saturday I drove to Little Rock for the funeral of a colleague, and former member of the W. Harold Flowers Law Society, Michael Price.  I met Michael, who attended Dartmouth and Washington Law through the Flowers listserv.  Though we never met in person we exchanged emails on the issues of the day and he always challenged me. He spent his most recent years advocating on behalf of those who could least afford assistance.  Many people shared with his family how very much Michael had helped them when they most needed it. Michael’s brother, Troy Price is Past President of the Society and a partner at the Wright Lindsey Jennings firm. 

Michael, Troy, Josilen & Greg Price

Although I didn’t know any members of the church where the service has held, several familiar members of the bar were in attendance including Judge Alice Gray and U/A alums and Judges/Pastors Wendell Griffen and Marion Humphrey.  Judge Griffen shared words of encouragement with the family and those present, based on Romans 8.  His remarks were powerful and comforting. Michael’s brothers, Troy and Greg, his sister, Josilen, and his Dad all gave remembrances of him.  I’d not before experienced that tradition at a funeral.  It was a lovely way for those in attendance to get a sense of Greg.

 On my way to the funeral, one of Mom’s caregivers called saying that she was in extreme pain from her fall two days before.  She asked if I would contact her doctor, which I did.  We arranged for pain medication and for me to take Mom for x-rays as soon as I returned. I talked with Mom and assured her I would come directly to get her when the service was over. On the drive back I called Mom and she was feeling well enough to delay the x-rays until Sunday, which was ok by me as it had been a long, intense day. I promised to check in on her after church on Sunday.

 Sunday, I attended church at Good Shepherd Lutheran, feeling a little down in the dumps, truthfully, between Michael’s funeral and Mom’s condition. Pastor’s sermon was based on the texts Isaiah 51:1-6 and Matthew 16.  He riffed on (If one can say that about a sermon) the ideas of Peter as the rock and the idea of rocks.  That is, he talked about our idea of rocks and suggested that the texts didn’t mean plain ole rocks, but the beautiful gemstones referred to in Revelation. Pastor also talked about what it meant to be “a rock.” His sermon made me think, well that gives a whole new meaning to “classic rock!” My take away (and remember we all filter) was that we should stand like rocks against wrong (systemic and individual) and for those who are in need of grace. Further that we should see ourselves not as granite, but as the precious and semi-precious stones described in the texts and act accordingly.

 

After the service, I went to check on Mom.  When I got there she was happy to see me, but said she didn’t need x-rays and was feeling fine.  I checked with the folks there and they agreed that she seemed to be doing fine.  Relieved, I hung out for a while, teaching her how to use the contacts in her cell phone and left much lighter in spirit.

Later that afternoon, Carol, Jim and I went for a dinner ride to the Crossbow in Huntsville.  We rode the loop in reverse (at least for us) that is, we rode west on 16 to 23 into Huntsville, had a fabulous dinner (more on that) and returned on west 74 to 295 north, and west on 45.  The Crossbow deserves an entire post, but you’ll just have to go with this one.  When we pulled in, it was dinner time and we were all ready to eat.  Our server was gracious and attentive and alerted us to any changes or unavailable menu items, sometimes to her surprise.  The meal was plentiful, and very good. If you are bored on a Sunday and want to take a dinner drive, I know just the place.  The outing was relaxing being with good friends, experiencing a great meal and taking a lovely stress free ride.  When I returned to the house safely, I was most grateful. I can’t say it often enough and the events of the past week emphasized it.  Live life to the fullest every day treasure those you love.  

                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dedicated to the Memory of Michael Price.