About Me

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Douglas, Alaska, United States
I have lived in Alaska since 1978, having come to Juneau as a Jesuit Volunteer. I fell in love with Alaska and now live on Douglas Island with my husband and two dogs.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

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.






7 comments:

  1. No matter how strong our belief, it still does sting. I will keep Buddy and all who love him in my prayers...especially you dear Paula. xxoo

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  2. Cancer is an evil villian taking our friends and loved ones. I feel for you. I lived in Anchorage for 8 years - not sure where Douglas is.

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  3. In my thoughts and prayers. Cancer is a horrible thing, I lost a dear friend and my husbands father to this terrible disease!!
    Chris :o)

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  4. He's in my prayers.....When my grandma died they read this from one of my favorite hymns, Abide With Me this hymn always gives me comfort and strength!!

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  5. Paula, I came across your blog from Olive Out. When I saw the title of your post I knew what it was about and came over to offer you my support and prayers. My mom died from ovarian cancer. I lost two friends this past year from breast cancer and lung cancer. I hope Buddy finds peace; I know the Lord is preparing a place for him.

    I envy you the view from any window in your home. I was born in Alaska, but never knew the beauty -- left too soon. For our 25th anniversary in 2010 my husband and I took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to be there. It was a cruise, so we didn't have as much time as we wanted to really visit each place. I pray that some day I can go back to experience more of that magical, majestic world of wonder.

    Blessings.

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  6. Paula,

    What a beautiful tribute to your dear friend Buddy. I will hold him in my prayers. Thank you for sharing this with us.

    Hugs from Kansas

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