In a globally inter-connected world, I know that most of you reading this blog already know that my beloved father went home to be forever united with his Heavenly Father, on Friday night around 10.30pm. His passing leaves a gaping hole in our lives, and we have spent the past few days, laughing, crying, reminiscing, and ultimately celebrating the life of an extraordinary man, a man who we were honored to know as a husband, father and grand father.
As this will be the last post on a blog established by dad a short time ago, it seems only fitting that as my father's son, I spend a little time reflecting on my dad's life.
Sometimes when you've been blessed to be so close to someone so special, you can lose sight and at times take for granted, the gift that you've been given. While we know that none of us will live forever, until 7 weeks ago, I couldn't imagine my dad not being in my life. Blessed to live 5 minutes apart, I'd typically drop by for a cup of tea numerous times each week. We'd talk about my business, family, a little politics, life, cars, music and God's grace in our lives. Dad was a man of many facets. His fascination (some might call it obsession:)) with cars, is well remembered around the world. Folks coined the term "bircherized" to describe the meticulous condition of every automobile he every owned. His impeccable garage, has two laminated directional signs, intended to assist the driver in lining up the steering wheel for precise parking. You knew the car was exactly where it needed to be, when you felt it nudge up against two wooden blocks strategically placed on the garage floor!!
There is a sign, located in the garden, aptly named "Burchard Gardens" a tongue in cheek reference to the world famous Butchard Gardens in Victoria, BC. Although mom has always been the driving force behind their wonderful garden, dad's meticulous attention to detail ensured that their garden always was a summer show piece. My mind is flooded with memories of sitting on their deck on a beautiful NW summer afternoon and enjoying some tea and goodies. I know many of you have enjoyed their remarkable hospitality, and have enjoyed time on their deck.
While I never got to work for, or with dad, I am well aware of his reputation as an administrator par excellence. In many ways he was ahead of his time. His commitment to excellence in all areas, always drove him to look for more effective ways to get things done. His commitment to integration within the church in South Africa is well known. His commitment to the under dog, or those he felt were being treated unfairly, was evident throughout his career. Once he arrived in the US, I know that he played a meaningful role in helping many South African pastors to obtain positions in this country.
Despite the success that dad enjoyed in his role as an pastor / administrator, he never ever forgot where he came from. Born in Benoni, South Africa of humble beginning, dad's life was defined by his immense love of people. He looked beyond color, status, religious belief system, or any of the other things that are so often referenced by society in an attempt to define people.
Dad, of all the gifts you gave to Pam, Diane and myself, perhaps the greatest......... was your complete and total love and acceptance of us, not for what we did or do, but for who we are. You never questioned the path that our own journey of faith took us down, even when it meant not being part of an organization you had committed your life to.
You really did understand, that God's grace is all about relationship, NOT religion. You really understood that when Jesus said, I've come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly, he really meant that we should live that way... RIGHT NOW! You knew that it was all about 'sonship', not trying to appease some far off God thru our vain fruitless attempt at good works. You knew that ultimately, Jesus death on the cross was full and complete payment.....LACKING NOTHING, and needing nothing more from us.......other than to accept the gift and live our lives in freedom as Royal son's and daughters.
You knew that if we truly understood this profound reality, our lives would never ever again be marked by striving, but rather by the fragrance of our sonship (a gift freely given),touching the lives of those we encounter.
As I will never ever need to be reminded that I am your son, and how I should behave accordingly, so the knowledge of my sonship with my heavenly father, guides my life each and every day, and you affirmed that.
I was one of a gifted and blessed few, who enjoyed your remarkable influence in my life for so many years. While I knew I was blessed to have you as my father, your passing only highlights that reality!
Even though I know it's perfect up there, I'm sure you're finding a way to Bircherize your villa or chariot! And just in case your heads getting a little big, Dennis Kimble said to remind you that you cheated in Monopoly 50 years ago!!
Your friends and family will be coming together on February 16th to celebrate and honor your incredible life at the Meadow Glade SDA Church. Your Meadow Glade family honors you, and they have already shown incredible love towards mom. You would be proud!!
See you soon Dadzie........I cant' wait to Tee it up with you!
Forever your Son,
~ Ray ~
Family emails are as follows:
estellebirch@comcast.net Yes, I know mom's email is full, but we'll try to get some of it cleaned out:)
raybirch58@gmail.com
pberger21@hotmail.com
Monday, January 14, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
The lights of heaven grow brighter!
Dear family and friends around the globe,
What an incredible outpouring of love we have witnessed being lavished on my father, and our family. Words fail to convey the deep gratitude we all feel. Your support, along with God's abiding presence and peace, has guided us thru this unexpected season of our lives.
Today marks the 7-week anniversary of the call I got from dad, letting me know a growth had been found on his pancreas. It's a sunny crisp winters day in the Pacific NW, with a beautiful blue sky framing dad's study window. As I sit at his desk and look around his study, I see so many memento's and items that highlight his rich life journey:
A Master of Art and Doctor of Ministry diploma from Andrews University hanging on the wall, with his 1980 cap tassel along side..... a beautiful picture of Table Mountain taken in the early evening from Blouberg Strand.....another framed picture of the Sydney Opera House.....a 2006 Masters hat (along with other hats hanging on the wall), celebrating the opportunity I had to take dad back to Augusta Georgia, to walk the hallowed fairways of Augusta National, a golf event we used to watch every year on TV back in South Africa in the early hours of the morning, thanks to the 11 hour time difference.....a framed display of Diane's first CD and CD cover.....some traditional Rhodesian art pieces with elephants displayed against a copper background.....a South African flag hanging over the entry to his study, with an Aussie boomerang above it.....2 silver Mercedes Benz model cars (his full sized Bircherized pride and joy, sitting in this garage).....a Walla Walla memento hanging on the wall.....some soapstone sculptures from Zimbabwe.....a filing cabinet with meticulous alphabetized folders, holding every time of paper that has probably ever crossed his desk:). Guess I didn't inherit that trait!.....a framed letter from Adventist Health board of directors, recognizing 5 years of outstanding service as a board member.....a small Russian doll.....a "tweetalige Woordeboek" English / Afrikaans dictionary.....a collection of too many books to mention (one of my favorites being, " Long walk to Freedom", Nelson Mandela's autobiography) and finally, a plague from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the Meadow Glade church family to: Pastor Alf Birch ~ in grateful recognition of 50 years of devoted pastoral ministry.
Papa, you have blessed my dad with an incredible life! If the measure of a man success in life is to be measured by his profound influence on the lives of people, then you, Alf Birch, are going to graduate magna cum laude!
Given the pain medication that dad is taking, one of the side effects has been hallucinations. It is remarkable what memories reside in the sub-conscious, and dad (ever the administrator), has continued to believe that there are wedding to conduct, board meetings to chair, and numerous events that require his full and complete attention. It's almost as though in his mind, he has toured the world and said good bye to people. He has moments of clarity, but the effects of the medication are significant. He spent at least 2 hours or so last night talking Afrikaans, visiting and saying goodbye to friends and family from his past. In some ways it was actually amazing to realize how deeply ingrained friendships and memories are. Is dit jy Bess? Vaar is Deon? Kom Esme en Leon ook by? Hello Joey? Wat se jy Katie? He would often lift has hand as if to wave good-bye, chuckling to himself sometimes. References were also made to Biltong, a little chocolate, and a nice cup of tea:) He kept saying how beautiful it was, and I can't help wonder if our heavenly Papa is not perhaps giving him little glimpses of his true home! Even in the midst of hallucinating, he often praises God and references his goodness. During the times that we have held music to his ear, he simply raises his hands and blesses God.
Diane got home last last night from NYC, and dad was able to recognize her, asking about the 2 concerts she just played in NYC. I stayed at his bedside until about 1pm and then just slept in the room next door. Di was able to stay by his side till about 4 in the morning.
Dr. Kelli (who has been an absolute angel to our family) came by again this morning as she does at least once a day, and I think she's gotten the medications dialed in, and he is now sleeping comfortably. Our primary goal and objective are to make him as comfortable as possible, hoping that he will sleep as much as possible.
Should his father be ready to take him home, we think that could well happen this weekend or soon after. Some of us were privileged to see dad 'do a little dance' at my daughter Megan's wedding this past August. We can only imagine how cool it will be when he gets to dance with the angels in the presence of his heavenly father.
We know that many of you had hoped to visit dad in person, but his condition simply no longer allows that. His condition has made it impossible for mom to read emails or even open all the hundreds of cards we've received. Thank you for your understanding in this regard. The day will come, when mom, and we as a family, can get around to giving your correspondence and communication the attention it deserves. Please be assured, that our inability to respond to most of you, in no way reflects our lack of gratitude or appreciation for the outpouring of love and support you have so graciously showered on dad and our family. We have simply been overwhelmed by how quickly dad's condition has deteriorated.
The journey in the natural, does not seem to be playing out as we had hoped. Nevertheless, we continue to trust God's ultimately best for dad, and we are at peace as a family. His ultimate destination is as real as the writing of this blog.
Forever grateful and appreciative.
With our love~
The Birch Family
What an incredible outpouring of love we have witnessed being lavished on my father, and our family. Words fail to convey the deep gratitude we all feel. Your support, along with God's abiding presence and peace, has guided us thru this unexpected season of our lives.
Today marks the 7-week anniversary of the call I got from dad, letting me know a growth had been found on his pancreas. It's a sunny crisp winters day in the Pacific NW, with a beautiful blue sky framing dad's study window. As I sit at his desk and look around his study, I see so many memento's and items that highlight his rich life journey:
A Master of Art and Doctor of Ministry diploma from Andrews University hanging on the wall, with his 1980 cap tassel along side..... a beautiful picture of Table Mountain taken in the early evening from Blouberg Strand.....another framed picture of the Sydney Opera House.....a 2006 Masters hat (along with other hats hanging on the wall), celebrating the opportunity I had to take dad back to Augusta Georgia, to walk the hallowed fairways of Augusta National, a golf event we used to watch every year on TV back in South Africa in the early hours of the morning, thanks to the 11 hour time difference.....a framed display of Diane's first CD and CD cover.....some traditional Rhodesian art pieces with elephants displayed against a copper background.....a South African flag hanging over the entry to his study, with an Aussie boomerang above it.....2 silver Mercedes Benz model cars (his full sized Bircherized pride and joy, sitting in this garage).....a Walla Walla memento hanging on the wall.....some soapstone sculptures from Zimbabwe.....a filing cabinet with meticulous alphabetized folders, holding every time of paper that has probably ever crossed his desk:). Guess I didn't inherit that trait!.....a framed letter from Adventist Health board of directors, recognizing 5 years of outstanding service as a board member.....a small Russian doll.....a "tweetalige Woordeboek" English / Afrikaans dictionary.....a collection of too many books to mention (one of my favorites being, " Long walk to Freedom", Nelson Mandela's autobiography) and finally, a plague from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the Meadow Glade church family to: Pastor Alf Birch ~ in grateful recognition of 50 years of devoted pastoral ministry.
Papa, you have blessed my dad with an incredible life! If the measure of a man success in life is to be measured by his profound influence on the lives of people, then you, Alf Birch, are going to graduate magna cum laude!
Given the pain medication that dad is taking, one of the side effects has been hallucinations. It is remarkable what memories reside in the sub-conscious, and dad (ever the administrator), has continued to believe that there are wedding to conduct, board meetings to chair, and numerous events that require his full and complete attention. It's almost as though in his mind, he has toured the world and said good bye to people. He has moments of clarity, but the effects of the medication are significant. He spent at least 2 hours or so last night talking Afrikaans, visiting and saying goodbye to friends and family from his past. In some ways it was actually amazing to realize how deeply ingrained friendships and memories are. Is dit jy Bess? Vaar is Deon? Kom Esme en Leon ook by? Hello Joey? Wat se jy Katie? He would often lift has hand as if to wave good-bye, chuckling to himself sometimes. References were also made to Biltong, a little chocolate, and a nice cup of tea:) He kept saying how beautiful it was, and I can't help wonder if our heavenly Papa is not perhaps giving him little glimpses of his true home! Even in the midst of hallucinating, he often praises God and references his goodness. During the times that we have held music to his ear, he simply raises his hands and blesses God.
Diane got home last last night from NYC, and dad was able to recognize her, asking about the 2 concerts she just played in NYC. I stayed at his bedside until about 1pm and then just slept in the room next door. Di was able to stay by his side till about 4 in the morning.
Dr. Kelli (who has been an absolute angel to our family) came by again this morning as she does at least once a day, and I think she's gotten the medications dialed in, and he is now sleeping comfortably. Our primary goal and objective are to make him as comfortable as possible, hoping that he will sleep as much as possible.
Should his father be ready to take him home, we think that could well happen this weekend or soon after. Some of us were privileged to see dad 'do a little dance' at my daughter Megan's wedding this past August. We can only imagine how cool it will be when he gets to dance with the angels in the presence of his heavenly father.
We know that many of you had hoped to visit dad in person, but his condition simply no longer allows that. His condition has made it impossible for mom to read emails or even open all the hundreds of cards we've received. Thank you for your understanding in this regard. The day will come, when mom, and we as a family, can get around to giving your correspondence and communication the attention it deserves. Please be assured, that our inability to respond to most of you, in no way reflects our lack of gratitude or appreciation for the outpouring of love and support you have so graciously showered on dad and our family. We have simply been overwhelmed by how quickly dad's condition has deteriorated.
The journey in the natural, does not seem to be playing out as we had hoped. Nevertheless, we continue to trust God's ultimately best for dad, and we are at peace as a family. His ultimate destination is as real as the writing of this blog.
Forever grateful and appreciative.
With our love~
The Birch Family
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
God you are GOOD!
David, Job, Paul.......... all of these men of faith possessed a remarkable ability to put life into it's proper perspective. Watching dad's life seemingly slip away before our very eyes, I am torn with sadness, yet inexplicable joy at the thought of where he is headed (whether in the next few weeks or years to come). Why is it so easy to allow our limited time here on earth to captivate so much of our attention, when in reality, as royal son's and daughter's of our heavenly Papa, we were created for eternal intimacy. Would God's desire that we live our lives here on earth more abundantly, take on greater meaning, if perhaps we spent more time realizing that our journey down here is simply a fuzzy black and white trailer to the greatest and most EPIC 3D love story ever to grace the silver screen!
GOD YOU ARE SO GOOD!! You allowed our family to have time together over the Christmas Holidays, when we had all scheduled time off. You allowed Diane to spend a good couple of weeks with dad, before returning to NYC. You allowed Deb and I to live 5 minutes from mom and dad, so we can spend a lot of time at their home. You have provided dad with the best medical team a man could ask for. You have surrounded our family with the most amazing group of people who adore dad, and love our family deeply. We are uplifted by the never ending prayers and support from people both locally and globally.We now have incredible on-going 24/7 support from hospice whenever we need it. Yes, in the natural we're climbing Mt. Everest, and yes, we continue to contend and believe that you can heal dad "on this side" of the curtain. Ultimately Papa, we simply agree with what you say about dad. You who sees what we cannot see, who always has our ultimate and eternal best in mind we chose to trust you.
Besides my dad, I would ask that you pray for special endurance for my mom, as she deals 24/7 with the realities of dad's declining condition. There is no easy way to deal with this season of life, and it only heightens our desire to see us all inhabit our Fathers house..
Diane comes home on Thursday night from NYC. While our family have always been close, this season has only strengthened our love for each other. Someone is here every evening to visit with my mom and be a support to her. As a family we have decided to no longer allow visitors to see my dad, as it's simply too taxing on him.
In reviewing this blog, I realize it's more reflective than informational, perhaps I needed the therapy:) Who would have imagined that a businessman (son) would try in some way to fill the 'oversize' pastoral shoes left by this father. I guess life has a way of coming full circle!
So yes Papa, I bless you for an extraordinary father, a man I will miss deeply should you chose to call him home soon.
Your goodness is beyond reproach, and I thank you for giving me your presence & peace.
~ Ray Birch ~
GOD YOU ARE SO GOOD!! You allowed our family to have time together over the Christmas Holidays, when we had all scheduled time off. You allowed Diane to spend a good couple of weeks with dad, before returning to NYC. You allowed Deb and I to live 5 minutes from mom and dad, so we can spend a lot of time at their home. You have provided dad with the best medical team a man could ask for. You have surrounded our family with the most amazing group of people who adore dad, and love our family deeply. We are uplifted by the never ending prayers and support from people both locally and globally.We now have incredible on-going 24/7 support from hospice whenever we need it. Yes, in the natural we're climbing Mt. Everest, and yes, we continue to contend and believe that you can heal dad "on this side" of the curtain. Ultimately Papa, we simply agree with what you say about dad. You who sees what we cannot see, who always has our ultimate and eternal best in mind we chose to trust you.
Besides my dad, I would ask that you pray for special endurance for my mom, as she deals 24/7 with the realities of dad's declining condition. There is no easy way to deal with this season of life, and it only heightens our desire to see us all inhabit our Fathers house..
Diane comes home on Thursday night from NYC. While our family have always been close, this season has only strengthened our love for each other. Someone is here every evening to visit with my mom and be a support to her. As a family we have decided to no longer allow visitors to see my dad, as it's simply too taxing on him.
In reviewing this blog, I realize it's more reflective than informational, perhaps I needed the therapy:) Who would have imagined that a businessman (son) would try in some way to fill the 'oversize' pastoral shoes left by this father. I guess life has a way of coming full circle!
So yes Papa, I bless you for an extraordinary father, a man I will miss deeply should you chose to call him home soon.
Your goodness is beyond reproach, and I thank you for giving me your presence & peace.
~ Ray Birch ~
Friday, January 4, 2013
Dear Family and Friends,
It's hard to imagine that 6 weeks ago today, I got the first call that dad made from Portland Adventist, letting me know that a growth had been discovered on his pancreas. Shocked and stunned, the family spent the next 2 weeks gathering information and processing our options.
We are deeply grateful to the many friends and loved ones who reached out to us with information and suggestions as to how to embark on a fight against dad's diagnosis. As a family we were committed to an all out assault against dad's diagnosis, and our game plan called for holistic and alternative treatments, with a strong focus on nutrition.
Regrettably, we never even got a chance to put our plan into action............and perhaps that has been the most frustrating part of our family journey.
Simply put, the speed at which this tumor has grown has caught us all by surprise. Dad's digestion system has essentially shut down, and he has has no appetite and has not been eating for the past 2 week or so. With no nutrition entering his body, he is weakening rapidly and his health is slipping away.
I shared with dad at the beginning of this journey that I knew God would heal him. What I did not know, was whether that would happen on 'this side' of the curtain, or on the 'other side'. Selfishly we want him around longer, and we continue to contend for his healing down here. As a great man of faith, his courage and perspective have been a blessing to our entire family. We were blessed to have all the family together over the Christmas season, with the exception of my daughter Megan and her new husband Josh. We enjoyed some wonderful times together, some of the most memorable involving the watching of dad's favorite musical DVD's, whether they be Andre Ruie or Andrea Bochelli.
We have been inundated with cards and emails over the last number of weeks, and our apologies for the inability to respond to so many of you. These past 6 weeks have been a complete whirlwind, and our focus has been on dad, making him comfortable and spending as much time hanging out with him as possible.
Tonight some of the elders of his church are coming by to anoint him and and pray for him. While the natural reality of dad's declining health is evident, we know that God touch can restore him and afford us all more time with him down here. Should he be called home, the outcome will be glorious, and I can't help but feel a little envious of where he'll be headed.
The family are at peace, and while our emotions may fluctuate from day to day, God's goodness has never been in question. Dad has lived a rich full life, and touched countless people, as evidenced by the flood of support, prayers and encouragement. The team at Portland Adventist have been remarkable, with 'house calls' being a common occurence. We've joked with dad that even President Obama would not get better treatment!!
Our deepest gratitude for your love, prayers and encouragement through this challenging season in our lives. There is a randomness to life, and if I could encourage you in any way, it would be to challenge you to live your life 'intentionally'. Love a little more, Live a little more, speak more kindly, and live each day as if it could be your last.
While there is life, there is hope, and like David of old, we will contend until dad's last breath!!
I'll try to update this in a week or so, and until then, thanks for your love and prayers.
~ Ray Birch ~
It's hard to imagine that 6 weeks ago today, I got the first call that dad made from Portland Adventist, letting me know that a growth had been discovered on his pancreas. Shocked and stunned, the family spent the next 2 weeks gathering information and processing our options.
We are deeply grateful to the many friends and loved ones who reached out to us with information and suggestions as to how to embark on a fight against dad's diagnosis. As a family we were committed to an all out assault against dad's diagnosis, and our game plan called for holistic and alternative treatments, with a strong focus on nutrition.
Regrettably, we never even got a chance to put our plan into action............and perhaps that has been the most frustrating part of our family journey.
Simply put, the speed at which this tumor has grown has caught us all by surprise. Dad's digestion system has essentially shut down, and he has has no appetite and has not been eating for the past 2 week or so. With no nutrition entering his body, he is weakening rapidly and his health is slipping away.
I shared with dad at the beginning of this journey that I knew God would heal him. What I did not know, was whether that would happen on 'this side' of the curtain, or on the 'other side'. Selfishly we want him around longer, and we continue to contend for his healing down here. As a great man of faith, his courage and perspective have been a blessing to our entire family. We were blessed to have all the family together over the Christmas season, with the exception of my daughter Megan and her new husband Josh. We enjoyed some wonderful times together, some of the most memorable involving the watching of dad's favorite musical DVD's, whether they be Andre Ruie or Andrea Bochelli.
We have been inundated with cards and emails over the last number of weeks, and our apologies for the inability to respond to so many of you. These past 6 weeks have been a complete whirlwind, and our focus has been on dad, making him comfortable and spending as much time hanging out with him as possible.
Tonight some of the elders of his church are coming by to anoint him and and pray for him. While the natural reality of dad's declining health is evident, we know that God touch can restore him and afford us all more time with him down here. Should he be called home, the outcome will be glorious, and I can't help but feel a little envious of where he'll be headed.
The family are at peace, and while our emotions may fluctuate from day to day, God's goodness has never been in question. Dad has lived a rich full life, and touched countless people, as evidenced by the flood of support, prayers and encouragement. The team at Portland Adventist have been remarkable, with 'house calls' being a common occurence. We've joked with dad that even President Obama would not get better treatment!!
Our deepest gratitude for your love, prayers and encouragement through this challenging season in our lives. There is a randomness to life, and if I could encourage you in any way, it would be to challenge you to live your life 'intentionally'. Love a little more, Live a little more, speak more kindly, and live each day as if it could be your last.
While there is life, there is hope, and like David of old, we will contend until dad's last breath!!
I'll try to update this in a week or so, and until then, thanks for your love and prayers.
~ Ray Birch ~
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)