Serving the Lord across the ocean is never more difficult than when tragedy happens with your family back home and you long to be there with them. On Saturday October 26, 2013 my Grandpa Ben passed away. He had been suffering from vascular dementia and was on hospice, so we new the end of his life would come while we were in Kenya. However, anticipating his death doesn't make it any easier once it actually happens. As our family grieves, may they know that our hearts and prayers are with them. Below is the eulogy I prepared that will be read at his funeral this week. I'm sad that I won't be there to read it myself.
Eulogy for Benjamin Mitchell, from his grandson Eric.
It is good for a man to persevere through adversity and not let your handicaps define you.
It is good for a man to have the courage to venture away from home in search of a successful career.
It is good for a man to work with his hands; to build, fix, create, and be self reliant.
It is good for a man to pass on these skills to his sons both by example and direction.
It is good for a man to work hard and use the fruits of his labor to support and raise a solid family.
It is good for a man to instill in his family the importance of hard work, service, faithfulness, and truth.
It is good for a man to appreciate the beauty found in nature and to cultivate his surroundings, showing off God's creation.
It is good for a man to grow old with the girl he married, being an example of faithfulness through the good times and bad, through sickness and in health.
It is good for a man to enjoy the outdoors, to exercise his God given dominion over all the earth.
It is good for a man to have an opinion, and to know what he believes and why.
It is good for a man to be involved in his community, and to participate in the democracy so many take for granted.
It is good for a man to live a life that is an example to others. Some attributes as an example to emulate, others to improve upon.
For all of these, my grandfather Ben Mitchell, the patriarch of our family, was a good man. He will not be forgotten, as he leaves behind a legacy of good men that carry with them many of his good traits and talents. Grandpa Ben's legacy, three generations of Mitchell men, will carry on the good name he has given us. May his sons now accept with pride the position of patriarchs, and lead their families by example. May they invest in their children and grandchildren, making the most of each interaction. May his grandsons persevere through the business of life with hard work, discipline, character, and faithfulness. May his great grandsons grow up to be hard working men of good character who are trustworthy, respectful, truthful, honest, and faithful. May all of us Mitchells lead lives that bring honor and respect to both the Mitchell name and to The Lord Jesus Christ. May all the descents of Ben Mitchell honor this good man and his wife as we go forward today, carrying on the name he gave us.
Eric Joseph Mitchell
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