On Sunday

I was sitting next to our neighbor, Leonard.   We shared the hymn book as we sang "Come Ye Disconsolate"

Lyrics

1. 1. Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish;
   Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
   Here bring your wounded hearts; here tell your anguish.
   Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot heal.
2. 2. Joy of the desolate, Light of the straying,
   Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
   Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
   "Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot cure."
3. 3. Here see the Bread of Life; see waters flowing
   Forth from the throne of God, pure from above.
   Come to the feast of love; come, ever knowing
   Earth has no sorrow but heav'n can remove.
4. Text: Thomas Moore, 1779-1852. Verse three, Thomas Hastings, 1784-1872
   Music: Samuel Webbe, 1740-1816

As I sang the words (as much as I ever dare use my voice to sing), I was very aware of the words and what they might mean to him.

Leonard lost his wife to cancer three years ago right before Christmas.  Then 2 years ago, right before Christmas, he got word that his adult son's car was found abandoned outside of the Grand Canyon. Someone had reported it, and it had been there for some time.  The last time Leonard had heard from his son was in the middle of November.  Before the call, he was not concerned, as his son would often go off on his own for periods of time.  For a long time, he still hoped that he would just show up.  But now, 2 years later, there has still not been any sign or word of him. The authorities did a search as did the family.

Through it all, Leonard stays very positive, but I know it must be a hole in his heart to not have any closure.

I was hoping that Leonard finds comfort in "Earth has not sorrow but heav'n can remove."