Where, Oh Death, Is Your Sting? - UPDATED

"Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?"

                                                                              Corinthians 15:55

We are engaged in a vigil.  Buddy Tabor, musician, poet, and our good friend, is in his final struggle with Stage IV cancer.  He still is able to move about his house and visit with friends as his strength and pain level permits.  Friends from as far away as Mexico and Yukon Territory have come to say goodbye.

He is in the care of angels of mercy and compassion, also known as hospice nurses.  

He can't eat much, just a few spoonfuls of soup or hot cereal.  He can't play the guitar anymore because the cancer caused his collarbone to break, so he can't lift his arm.

But, still, his humor shines through.  When Charles called him the other day and asked how he was, Buddy said: "Well, if I've crossed over to the other side, I'm doing great.  If not, I'm about the same."  Charles told him our long distance service doesn't stretch that far.

I have known Buddy since I arrived in Juneau in 1978.  As a Jesuit Volunteer, I was his son's child care provider.  He soon became a good friend.  I have watched him grow as a musician for 33 years.  He is a poet of amazing depth and vision.  He is a smoky, skinny, long haired prophet.

     

He will be missed by so many.  I am asking you to pray for a peaceful, happy death for my friend Buddy.  That's all we can do right now.  And pray for his wife and sons, and all of his friends, that we can bear the pain of his passing.


Because, even though we know we will see him again, it stings, my friends.  It still stings.

(To read more about the impact that Buddy's music has had, please click here.)

Update:  Buddy Tabor died peacefully at approximately 7:45 p.m. on February 5th.  Thanks for all of your prayers.