Dr. Cook's Biola memorial service was held this past Monday. Sunday afternoon, I was asked if I would lead the procession with another student and carry the American flag. I, of course, said yes and was extremely honored that I was asked to be part of a man's memorial service who I truly admired.
Walking to the orchestra with slow, heavy steps and placing the flag in it's stand was a high honor, but once again distracted me from the reason why we were there. It may have been a good thing I was focused on how I was walking and the height of the flag considering it is in my nature to trip and/or knock things over. However, I have been so busy discussing, covering and "researching" Dr. Cook and his death that I was not able to focus the meaning it took yet.
Then I sat. I was able to sit in the front row next to faculty, a few students and among the family. And it hit me. I was still somewhat numb, but tears gently floated to my eyes as I heard the tributes, speeches and watched pictures of Annabelle and Clyde cross the screen. I was sad. Until that moment I hadn't been allowed to be sad. I hadn't been able to let tears flow or talk about him in a non-professional manner. I was finally able to feel.
And as I sat there, I selfishly asked the Lord to give me a husband one day that will love me like Clyde loved Annabelle. But it's not selfish at all because Clyde loved the Lord first, directed all conversation, hopes and dreams to Christ. And by asking for the Lord to someday give me a man that loves the Lord like that, I am also asking for my whole self to love the Lord like that.
I can only hope I will dedicate my life and continue to dedicate each and every day of my life like they did together to the Lord Jesus Christ. Goodbye Dr. Cook. Enjoy the party!
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2 comments:
On Tuesday my grandpa gave me a newspaper article from the LA Times about Dr. Cook. My grandpa told me how he thought that Clyde was a great man and he admired him and all of his accomplishments. Clyde is younger than my grandpa and I thought it was so funny to hear an older man admire a younger one. So precious. And I completely agree with you about loving the Lord with everything and finding a husband who does the same. Where are they?! haha.
I remember hearing about Clyde's death when I opened up an email from Gail. I started crying right there in a Costa Rican internet cafe!
It always struck me how he treated and talked about Anna Belle. It wasn't just a casual mention of, "Oh, my wife's in the second row," but it was like he knew profoundly that God had placed them together and had a marvelous, joint mission for them.
Keep praying ... God will bring that to you someday!
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