at Ardhu on a glorious morning in May 2005.
.
AN OPEN LIFE
.
It's just about two years ago (February 19 th.) since my good friend Aidan left this world, suddenly and unexpectedly. He was a true friend and brother who soldiered with me along the pilgrim path as we tentatively stepped out along that Gospel road. Aidan’s inspiration was his complete accessibility and generosity , and he was one of the few people I knew who always seemed to have time to meet or chat on the phone. When many Christians withdrew to their domestic isolation after the meetings, Aidan’s house was known by all and his door remained open to all. Meeting him always ensured that some substantial matter would be discussed, he was not the one for idle chit-chat and inevitably he would pepper his comments with relevant pieces of Scripture, and refer to some article or book that had impressed him. Religious cant and cliché left him cold and when confronted by it he would simply smile knowingly, diffusing the ardour of the speaker (often I confess, myself !) He had the ability to genuinely seek the kingdom of God while remaining absolutely real and human, it was this character trait more than anything else I reckon, that endeared Aidan to so many.His generosity of spirit was matched by his readiness to share what he had with those needed it, always done quietly and without any fanfare.Remembering my friend today I have only scraped the surface of the deep and profound impact he made on me and others and I know that his family at this time are remembering their lovely brother and the pain of his untimely passing.
My last conversation with Aidan was on the phone just hours before he died . I had been calling him throughout that day and getting no answer and when he returned my call that evening I was driving home. We had a brief chat, I thought he sounded distracted but put it down to the fact that he had a visitor with him in the house. I continued my journey planning to call him later, I didn’t, that is my regret. That deep sonorous voice so reassuring in its measured delivery is silent now and I would give anything to hear it again. If there’s singing in heaven, I’m not so sure Aidan will make the choir but if there’s a corner in glory where the saints gather to talk, I’ve no doubt that he’ll be there, declaring the wonder of seeing His Lord face to face.
.
Gerard O'Shea
8 comments:
knowing what Aidan thought of you Ger I think he would be pleased by what you wrote. He was one of the finest Christians I have ever met and the road is all the more lonesome without him, but I'm glad that I got to share it with him for a little while.
Hi Gerry,
Thanks for the piece on Aidan. The photo was great; it said so much!
I WILL REMEMBER YOU
By SARAH MCLACHLAN
I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
Remember all the good times that we had
We let them slip away from us when things got bad
Clearly I first saw you, smiling in the sun
I want to feel your warmth upon me, I want to be the one
I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
I'm so tired,I can't sleep
Standin' on the edge of something much too deep
It's funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word
We are screaming inside, we can't be heard
I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
I'm so afraid to love you, but more afraid to lose
Clinging to a past that doesn't let me choose
Once there was a darkness, deep and endless night
You Gave me everything you had, oh you gave me life
And I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
Weep not for the memories
REMEMBERING AIDAN
Don’t Forget To Remember Me
Oh my heart won't believe that you have left
I keep telling my self that it's true
I can get over anything
But I can't get myself over you
Don't forget to remember me
And the love that used to be
I still remember you
Do You Remember Me?
In my heart lies a memory to tell the stars above
Don't forget to remember me
On my wall lies a photograph of you& the “lads”
Though I try to forget you somehow
You're the mirror of my soul
Let me try to go on living right now
Don't forget to remember me
And the love that used to be
I still remember you
Do You Remember Me?
In my heart lies a memory to tell the stars above
Don't forget to remember me
Leonardo
REMEMBER TO SAY, "THANK YOU"!
Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
Leprosy was a feared and horrible disease, and still is. To this day, it is still predominately incurable. Because it was easy to catch, lepers were not allowed in the city, and were not allowed to approach others. That is why these ten lepers kept their distance and called out to Jesus. These lepers were, in all, a good bunch. They were obeying the laws: they stayed out of the city and did not approach Jesus or his followers. They believed in Jesus' ability to heal. They obeyed Jesus without question when he told them to go to the priests, even before they were healed.*
So these men were respectful, obedient, and trusting. What they weren't was thankful. Only one of the men, when they learned they were healed, was grateful enough to return and praise Jesus. Do you think he was the only one that was happy? I doubt it. Do you think it was easy for him to be the only one to return to Jesus? Probably not. He wanted to be declared clean by the priests so he could return to his family, his job and his friends. But he was thankful enough to stop right then and thank Jesus and praise God for this wonderful gift.
What a lovely photo of dear Aidan. I miss him and think of him often.
Gerry,
Just like the 10 Lepers, I can now enter into parts of the Gospel that before I only read. Aidan was a Good Samaritan to many people in Limerick & yet few remember him. Many Christians in Limerick know about your website, so there is no excuse for forgetting those who gave a great witness in Limerick. Even if they didn't have a PC, they could go to any Internet Cafe & contribute to your site.
No! Its the same old human condition!
When Jesus was crucified, His apostles ran away & so we see today the same "christian" characteristic in Aidan's case.
The Lepers FORGET & the DICIPLES do a runner!
You & I know that FAMILY fight & have their disagreements, but when the chips are down, they stand together.
Aidan now knows who were his TRUE friends & family.
Philip,
when I have posted anything about Aidan I am always surprised at the absense of comments in the light of the many lives he touched. Although it must be said that I can think of some who would not be www skilled and the dearth of contributions probably says more about the limited interest in my blog than any slight on your brother. The measure of Aidan will be revealed for all to see in Eternity when the Master utters those welcoming words, "Come you beloved of my Father..."
Gerry
I agree with Tony, and all your sentiments Gerry. The photo used in this blog completely sums Aidan up. He may not be the lead singer in Heaven's choir (though maybe with his new body he is!), but I'm sure he could well be found in a corner with his well used Bible in his hands, chatting with people and debating over some truth from his life experiences. What a lovely brother he was.
Post a Comment