Before Singing AMAZING GRACE At The Funeral For Jonathon Aguirre

(*Written on the flight to Colorado in lieu of sleep. I was not sure if I would be able to say anything, but felt the need to put pen to paper for a few brief but heartfelt words. I kept it short though my affection goes long into the night.)

"This song of grace is my prayer for Chuck and Josephine, for my Uncle Ben and Aunt Virginia, for Michelle, Rachel, Desi, Brian, Deborah and Joseph. It is my prayer for each one of us here, family member, friend and acquaintance, who grieves the terrible loss of Jonathon Aguirre -- a young man with whom my entire family fell in love, based on the pure merits of his heart, charm and energy.

In Ephesians 4, verse 7, Paul tells us that grace is given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. I was personally impressed with how well Jonathon exercised Christ's precious gifts. I believe that in the days, weeks and months to come, everlasting grace will heal the broken hearts before me. They will cling to the countless pleasurable memories of an exceptional young man.

With his brightness of being, his endless capacity for humor, his penchant for self discipline, and his sheer joy for all the good and simple things in this life, Jonathon Aguirre managed to accomplish at the age of 19 what few of us ever figure out given a much longer existence.

This is his legacy. If we but live out one aspect of his person, we honor him and we honor the exemplary efforts of his parents and grandparents, who should feel justifiably proud even in the midst of their present sorrows. For through their love and parenting, they gifted the world for a brief but glorious time with a radiant light, a handsome star now belonging to the [His] heavens."

LYRICS FOR AMAZING GRACE

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.