A framed photo of Ben Lam is displayed on an easel next to a large multicoloured floral arrangement displayed on a white table.

An Example of Dying Well: My Dad’s Final Gift to Me

In the morning on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, after a relatively uneventful night where I fell asleep to the sound of my dad’s steady breathing in his palliative care hospital room, I suddenly noticed his breathing sharply slow. I hurried over to his bedside and gently caressed his head, watching intently. His inhales and exhales were irregular and drawn out. Inhale. Long pause. Exhale. Another long pause. Inhale. Even longer pause. Exhale.

“Is this the end?” I asked him. “Is Jesus coming for you?”  A small tear glistened from the corner of his eye. Here we are, at the edge of eternity. As I watched, a change occurred in his irises and I saw his spirit leave. “I love you, dad,” I whispered. I looked at the clock. 7:51am.

I leaned my head on his chest.

All was still.

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Reflections on Christmas

Reflections on having a new-born at Christmas

We had some friends visit us on Christmas eve, and one of them asked us, “How is Christmas different with a new born baby?” It was a very good question. Between all the diaper changing, feeding, rocking, laundry, washing, and trying to get as much sleep as possible, I have not had much time to reflect on this question or on Christmas. Over the last few days, in the midst of celebrating Christmas with family, eating great food, and opening gifts, I’ve reflected on this question. Here are a few things I’ve been noticing about having a baby at Christmas.
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