It’s Easter, and I’ve been thinking about life, death, and resurrection. All-in-all, a pretty normal thing to be contemplating during Holy Week. I’ve been remembering my Port Townsend friend, Ann Bambrick, who died last August. She was a hero of mine; a hero in her life, and a hero in her death.

During the months that Ann was at home on hospice, she was always surrounded by family and friends. Kids, grandkids, neighbors, and church friends, all flocked to her bedside to express their love for her, but also to be loved by her. For in her last days, as indeed in all her days, Ann spread love and grace to each person she met. Like so many others, I dearly loved visiting Ann, sharing communion, reminiscing, and simply soaking in God’s love and grace so present in those moments.

A few months before Ann died, I penned a letter to her. I want to share some of that letter here. I do so in honor of Ann, and I do so in praise of our God who has defeated death. Ann may have died, but as I say in the letter, death absolutely did not win.

Dear Ann, I have been so impressed with your posts and how you are handling these last experiences on earth. You are living proof that death is not going to win in the end. Oh yes, your days on earth will end, but believe me, with you, death is not winning. Love is winning. Grace is winning. There is, I believe, an old sonnet, and now songs, with the title, “Death Be Not Proud.” Death has nothing to be proud of with you. You are headed to heaven with your head held high, your heart full of love and laughter. I really think that one of our last witnesses to God’s love that we can make on earth is how we die. And dear Ann, when I die, I hope I can do it like you. You are my example. You are God’s love in arms and words and deeds. You are God’s grace in speech, and smile, and life. If we don’t get to physically hug again in this life, I will be expecting a hug in the next. God bless you, dear sister.

It’s Easter, and I am thinking about life, death, and resurrection. With love that is stronger than fear, with life that is stronger than death, Jesus rose again and defeated death. Death may still be powerful, but not ultimately powerful. Love is even stronger. For Jesus has risen, and in doing so, He has rolled away the stones from the graves of our loved ones and called them forth into life and into love. And Jesus will do the same for you and me. Death be not proud.

Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

God bless,
Coe