God's Tender Mercies & A Father's Love

Last April, my brother Ken unexpectedly passed away.  The young father of nine, he struggled with health problems for many years, which impacted his ability to do for them, all that he wished he could.  Many tears were shed at his funeral service and when it came time to lay him to rest, the family snuggled beneath the protective awning that guarded his final resting spot from the rainswept skies.  Following the graveside services at Larkin Sunset Gardens, the majority of visitors hurried to escape the drizzle, but close family tarried for a few more quiet moments of reflection.  As hugs and conversations continued, in the distant northern skies a bird was spotted floating on the downdrafts of the receding weather.  Individuals watched without cognizance, until enlightenment suddenly dawned, this was not just any bird, but a bird of prey, a hawk to be precise, the very animal my brother had adopted as his personal symbol!  As family members turned their faces to the north the bird glided, swooped and flew regally along as it was joined by another and another until finally eight hawks were seen, the number of his children present at the cemetery.  The flock passed directly over head and then to the south end of the valley where they disappeared as quietly as they came.  In this moment of tender mercy, we felt comfort that although Kenneth was no longer walking among us, he would be eagerly watching and guarding his children because of the loving compassion of another kind Father.