Our friend Lenny Bernotas, pastor of Trinity Bible Church, preached a powerful sermon at Gabe’s memorial service called “Grace for Gabriel.” One of the many things that stuck with me from the message was Lenny’s admonition to remember how Gabe lived, rather than how he died. He quoted from Philippians 4:8
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What good advice … wisdom from God … wise, peaceable, etc.
Today is five weeks. I’d like to redeem this anniversary by dedicating it to a celebration of Gabe’s life and legacy. I’ll begin with a poem I wrote about him 10 years ago. Next Friday, I’ll post some work of Gabe’s—a poem, rap, cartoon or video. Something that celebrates his life and incredible gifts. But first …
Gabe
You came sparkling into the world,
a firecracker bursting multicolored across the sky,
your soft brown skin glowing with delight at
everything your eyes beheld—
I loved you from the first.
You spoke in sentences sweet
when barely a year had passed,
and when the wedding bells did ring
a granite floor was laid beneath your tiny feet.
The Lord has made a miracle,
he’s made one bright and true;
he sent it shining through the night
to come reside with us.
Never from that swollen golden crimson time
until this frozen grey has
my heart known a moment without
beating just for you.
[original poem © cas, 1998]
[photo: Making Scary Faces with Mom, Fairless Hills, PA, 1986]