So, a few days before Roby's memorial service, I felt compelled to pray about going - knowing full well that, now that I am back in academia (and in Pennsylvania), I couldn't afford the airline tickets. The very next morning, I got an email from a friend in Seattle who felt compelled to offer to use "miles" to buy a ticket for me. Two days later, I was heading back to the Pacific Northwest. Oh look...when man prays, God works. Why does that always surprise me?
Anyway, the weekend was full of glimpses of God - a wonderful 2 hour lunch with my dear friend Anne (who was Roby's closest friend and the main reason I felt compelled to be there), lots of play time with my niece and nephew, reconnecting with "my guys" (wish you could have heard us all singing "Happy Birthday" to Steve Allen over Skype...the Yale Glee Club would have been envious), seeing lots of good friends, worshiping at CBC on Saturday night, coffee with some of my old band mates on Sunday morning, praying with my best friend the night before he went in for knee surgery, and, of course, the lovely memorial service in honor of Roby Duke.
One of the highlights of the service was Chris Hopkins (ChrisHopkinsArt.com), a very close artist-friend of Roby's who, while the service was going on, was on the stage finishing this painting of Roby engaged in his signature bear-hug with Jesus
Thanks to Mindy who was there with her camera phone to snap this photo. And thanks to Bob Bennett for info on the artist (see his comment for more background).The artist gave the painting to Roby's son, Brantley, after the service.
There was great music (of course), even Roby led us all in worship via this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJlU7AqwdVM
It was very cool to hear all of us there join in on the humming part - laughing, crying, and singing all the way.
There were also several great eulogies and letters read. The highlight was Roby's sister (who I only knew through his stories...he called her "the Railroad Man"). She was dignified, very funny, and VERY Southern...wonderful.
The whole weekend was beautiful. Of course there was grief, but not without hope - and, surprisingly, not without a whole lot of joy as well.
Rob
2 comments:
Wow. What a picture and thanks for the post Rob! That picture left me breathless. I feel like I blow it so often, but to see Jesus, in a bear hug with Roby, reminded me of the love of Jesus and the hope and joy of hearing well done my good and faithful servant. Thank you for the encouragement and of course the birthday song! Love you all!
The artist is Chris Hopkins, a very close friend of Roby's who lives and works in the greater Seattle area. Other works can be viewed at his web site: ChrisHopkinsArt.com. This particular rendering is based on an earlier work, but like a great symphony that finally reaches its final and best revision, Roby's image truly completes and elevates the picture. It is titled after one of Roby's tunes from the Ghost project, "One Embrace".
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