Grief – indycrowe

Remembering My Mom, Debbie Crowe

My mom recently passed away after battling cancer for about 14 months. I’m thankful for her faith in Christ that gives us the peace of knowing her pain has been exchanged with joy. When my dad died three years ago, my mom said at the time that she wished that people would share eulogies or say “all the nice things” to people before they die rather than wait until afterwards. So a few weeks ago I wrote out an extended letter that included this eulogy, as well as more personal memories and encouragements, and gave it to my mom. I’m thankful I did, and would encourage others to find ways in person and on paper to share your love for people before their death.

Here’s a condensed version of that eulogy I shared at her funeral yesterday.

Thoughts On Grief that Lasts

I’m posting this on the three-year anniversary of my dad’s death, though what was written was around one year after his death. I’ve held off posting this because it’s a less “polished” post that reads more like a journal entry.

Wendell Berry quotes on Grief

I finished reading again Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry tonight. I’ve probably read it at least once a year the last four years, and each time, new things stand out. It’s one of Berry‘s Port William novels, and essentially the story of one woman’s life and the grief and gratitude present throughout. Having lost my dad last June, the theme of grief and how we experience it came through in a different way. Here are a few quotes from Hannah Coulter and Jayber Crow, my two favorite fiction books (both by Wendell Berry), on grief and loss.

Continue reading Wendell Berry quotes on Grief

Remembering My Dad, John Crowe

John Thomas Crowe
(5/14/1952-6/25/2022)

“You can’t give yourself over to love for somebody without giving yourself over to suffering.” Wendell Berry from Hannah Coulter

My dad died on Saturday, June 25th. He had battled in the hospital for over seventy days. When he had no more fight in him and he could tell his time was up, he wanted to return to his own house and enter glory with loved ones around him. I had the privilege to be standing next to him, holding his hand, both ready for him to enter the fullness of joy in God’s presence but not ready to have him gone from earth. Though it’s not what he or we wanted, we trust in the loving kindness, infinite wisdom, and perfecting timing of God. I’m thankful for his life, the man, dad, and grandpa he was, the memories I have of him, how he has shaped me as a person, and for these last few days and the chance to be next to him with people who love him.

Below is a eulogy of sorts that I wrote for his memorial service. There is so much more I wanted to say and I had to cut a lot out, but I hope it gives a glimpse into both who he was and what it looks like to be both sorrowful and rejoicing in this time.

A Few Books and Articles on Death and Grieving

“Grief gives the full measure of love, and it is somehow reassuring to learn, even by suffering, how large and powerful love is.” Wendell Berry

As I’ve been processing my dad’s recent death, one of the ways I do that is by reading, which usually leads to reflection, prayer, and writing. Below are a few books and articles I’ve found helpful this week in finding hope and even rejoicing while facing the pain of death and loss.

Favorite Quotes from Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry

I love books. All kinds of books. Some books prove especially meaningful in specific seasons. Some books are timeless. There are books you read slowly, chipping away over time, and there are books you want to read in one sitting. Some books you never finish. Some books you read once. And some books you’ll read many times over a lifetime.

Continue reading Favorite Quotes from Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry

John Thomas Crowe(5/14/1952-6/25/2022)

John Thomas Crowe
(5/14/1952-6/25/2022)