More likely Dad had a sense that things were coming to a close for him and it was in the end only going to be grace. He already felt strongly that he had received an extra Hezekiah grace with 15 years of life after his first heart bypass surgery. He certainly became more contemplative and reflective after that. One of our son Joshua’s favourite memories of his Opa is a conversation he had with Dad one Sunday afternoon while the rest of us went for a walk and he and his Opa discussed the meaning of Simon and Garfunkel's ‘Bridge Over Trouble Waters.’
Most people who knew him, I think would say, he was a person of grace. I do remember from my growing up years that when we really made a mess of things he would be angry for a short time and then it would pass. He couldn’t stay angry for very long even though he could be very passionate about things. He particularly loved this line which I remember him quoting, “Grace means there is nothing I can do to make God love me more, and nothing I can do to make God love me less.” I have quoted it often as well and hang on to it dearly.
When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I'll dry them all (all)
I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down