The Beauty of a Grateful Heart

Neil Edbrooke pays tribute:

I remember we were all somewhat subdued. Alison was coming to join our prayer meeting but the discovery of the resurgence of her cancer had been a huge disappointment. Once again she and Jim were facing difficult decisions regarding treatment regimes and the impact of the illness on their life and future.

But we needn’t have been despondent. No doubt Alison had times of struggle – she told us she did. But here she came like morning sunshine – radiant, colourful. She often dressed in what seemed to me to be flowing robes: scarves, wraps, skirts, cloaks – all flowing and “swishing.” Not sure anyone could “swish” into a room like she did. Despite everything else that was happening in her and Jim’s life through this difficult experience, that morning Alison communicated an irrepressible spirit of gratitude. She spoke glowingly and appreciatively of her “men”, Tom, Chaz, Pete and of course, Jim. We talked and laughed freely over stories and enjoyed praying with renewed confidence. Whatever comes, Alison was saying, I know that God is trustworthy and He has made me wealthy – not in terms of money and possessions – but on deeper and richer levels, in friendships, family and through the people that I love. In her typically unselfconscious way, Alison showed us the beauty and attractiveness of a grateful heart.

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart was the first song Jim chose to be sung at the Service of Thanksgiving for Alison’s life. The words do not deny our weakness or call on us to pretend to be strong when all is collapsing within. Rather, in the spirit of Jesus’ beatitudes, they speak of a different dimension to life, more substantial. In times of bereavement our sorrow and weakness cry out to someone who understands and who has gone ahead, who walked the same path: a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Jesus identifies with our sense of loss and comes alongside.

The church was full with family and friends, coming to say goodbye, coming to give thanks. There were many tributes. Many more continue in our conversations. We shall miss Alison deeply.

High King of Heaven when battle is done
Grant heaven’s joys to me, bright heaven’s sun,
Christ of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, thou ruler of all.