My dear brother-in-law, Tim Bass, died Thursday, September 20. We arrived a couple of hours after he went home to be with God. Tim has been part of our family (and I a part of his) for over 36 years. He was in middle school when I met him: a tall, skinny basketball player with a baby face. Over the years, he became a brother-in-law, a peer, one of my best friends, a colleague in ministry, a brother (I stopped thinking of him as an in-law long ago), an example, and an inspiration.
Cheryl and I have shared so many happy times with Tim and his wife Anne: wonderful Christmases, and some of the most memorable vacations of my life. He was a fantastic uncle to my kids, a genuine servant of Jesus, and an all-around fun guy. I could go on for a long time sharing stories, but let me just leave it at this: I will miss Tim terribly for the rest of my life. But I will also be thankful for the rest of my life that Tim was a part of it.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
A Community of Faithful Love
We got the call yesterday that my brother-in-law, Tim Bass, will not be with us much longer. I can't describe our sadness. I'm writing this hurriedly as we prepare to leave to be with him and the rest of the family. We need your prayers. But before I go, I wanted to share the last entry Tim's wife Anne posted on his Care Page. It's a witness not only to a life of faith (Tim & Anne's), but to a wonderfully supportive faith family that has surrounded them. Read it, then say a prayer of thanks for this wonderful group of Christians:
It has been an eventful few days. We started working with the hospice staff who have been wonderful. Tim was able to enjoy some special company both on Saturday and Sunday, and even sing out some hymns with his beautiful bass voice. On Sunday, he stood before the church, weak and on oxygen, but sharing blessings for them as an elder and confirming the elder who was to take his place. By Monday he became very tired, Tuesday he was in horrible pain and very unsteady, and today we were told by the hospice nurse that his liver is likely shutting down. He may be within hours or days of leaving us to go home to Our Father. He is not suffering very much, the meds appear to be controlling his pain quite well. There have been wonderful companions all day to share this time with us. Both our dear minister friends were here much of the day, helping assist Tim in and out of bed. Their wives blessed us with their love and help as well. Our two sons came, as well as our adopted children, Darrow and Crystal and baby Hailey. My dear sister/friend Lyn Grant helped in so many ways, from taking mom to for an MRI, bringing food, serving guests, providing nursing care, and wonderful hugs. Our amazing church family came tonight with candles and sung hymns from our front yard and prayed for us. They sounded like angels coming to minister to us, but were so special because we know and love them. Some brought food and cleaned my house. Tim's family is on their way tomorrow, except his father who just had a knee replacement surgery yesterday. Hopefully, he can join us soon. Although not comprehending alot, Tim has recognized most everyone who has come and appreciated all their love for us. On every side God has been with us, providing our needs and showering us with His love as Tim prepares to make his journey into His hands. Tim has asked that we celebrate his journey, and not remain sorrowful. He wants us to remember to live for the things that count, and I truly beieve that is what he has done. He brings love, laughter, and kindness to each day. I cannot describe in any words known to man how blessed I am to be his wife. Thank you all for your continued prayers and friendship. Anne Bass
It has been an eventful few days. We started working with the hospice staff who have been wonderful. Tim was able to enjoy some special company both on Saturday and Sunday, and even sing out some hymns with his beautiful bass voice. On Sunday, he stood before the church, weak and on oxygen, but sharing blessings for them as an elder and confirming the elder who was to take his place. By Monday he became very tired, Tuesday he was in horrible pain and very unsteady, and today we were told by the hospice nurse that his liver is likely shutting down. He may be within hours or days of leaving us to go home to Our Father. He is not suffering very much, the meds appear to be controlling his pain quite well. There have been wonderful companions all day to share this time with us. Both our dear minister friends were here much of the day, helping assist Tim in and out of bed. Their wives blessed us with their love and help as well. Our two sons came, as well as our adopted children, Darrow and Crystal and baby Hailey. My dear sister/friend Lyn Grant helped in so many ways, from taking mom to for an MRI, bringing food, serving guests, providing nursing care, and wonderful hugs. Our amazing church family came tonight with candles and sung hymns from our front yard and prayed for us. They sounded like angels coming to minister to us, but were so special because we know and love them. Some brought food and cleaned my house. Tim's family is on their way tomorrow, except his father who just had a knee replacement surgery yesterday. Hopefully, he can join us soon. Although not comprehending alot, Tim has recognized most everyone who has come and appreciated all their love for us. On every side God has been with us, providing our needs and showering us with His love as Tim prepares to make his journey into His hands. Tim has asked that we celebrate his journey, and not remain sorrowful. He wants us to remember to live for the things that count, and I truly beieve that is what he has done. He brings love, laughter, and kindness to each day. I cannot describe in any words known to man how blessed I am to be his wife. Thank you all for your continued prayers and friendship. Anne Bass
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
I Can't Help Myself!
I wrote a little song that I thought I'd share with you. It's sung to the tune of The Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song:
Come and listen to a story ‘bout the Wolverines,
A bunch of loony guys, ain’t worth a hill of beans.
Everybody told ‘em they wuz gonna be great
Until they got whipped by the boys from State.
(Appalachian, that is. Boone, North Carolina. One double A)
Well next thing you know, they wuz dropped from the polls
Ain't gonna make to the title or the bowls.
But don’t y’all worry, cuz you’ll get to cheer again
For the fabled team that’s known as Michigan.
(State, that is. Green and white. Spartans.)
Come and listen to a story ‘bout the Wolverines,
A bunch of loony guys, ain’t worth a hill of beans.
Everybody told ‘em they wuz gonna be great
Until they got whipped by the boys from State.
(Appalachian, that is. Boone, North Carolina. One double A)
Well next thing you know, they wuz dropped from the polls
Ain't gonna make to the title or the bowls.
But don’t y’all worry, cuz you’ll get to cheer again
For the fabled team that’s known as Michigan.
(State, that is. Green and white. Spartans.)
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