A Wedding and A Banquet

My friend Zane Ross passed away Thursday and celebrated his life Sunday. To say he was a good or great man is really an injustice to who he was. Special would be the appropriate word. He was special because he cared deeply for others. He spent his time at the hospital and nursing homes ministering to everyone he met. He would often say, "When you go to make your rounds at the hospital, take a book with you because you end up staying longer than you think."

I met Zane 6 years ago when we moved to Richmond and I remember the first thing he ever said to me was, "Well, I know you're not a politician cause you've got your hands in your own pockets." He taught me the importance of caring for people and for your congregation. He taught me the beauty of enduring the trials of ministry and of life. He taught me to laugh and see the brighter side of life. I believe Zane knew the secret to life and he shared that secret everyday. For that I am grateful.

I am going to miss my friend. When Connor asks why his middle name is Zane, I won't tell him of Billy Zane's cameo in Zoolander or as the Phantom. I will tell him the stories of Zane Ross. I will share the memories and the laughter. I will tell my son about my friend.

My friend is at a wedding and a banquet today. I believe Jesus greeted him as a friend and when he asked, "How are you today?" Zane replied, "If I was doing any better I'd think I was someone else" and Jesus laughed, took him to his seat at the table and they joined the others laughing, drinking, eating, and singing.

I will see my friend again.

One day.

One day I will take my place at the table in the seat prepared for me and I will laugh when Zane tells me about his brother Yimmy who went Yale.

I will see my friend again at a wedding and a banquet. Until that day I will be forever blessed and grateful to call this dear old man my friend.