Books and movies have used the phrase, "The Last Hurrah," for their title. A book and movie by Molloy in 2007 is an example. I’m not sure where my dad came up with the phrase, but it certainly goes back to my childhood.  It has always had the idea of “the end of something”. The end of a game, or hike, or season.  I want to write about the end of an era for my parents---but, was it to be their last hurrah?

On April 19, 2008, the family of Robert W. Hitchman gathered on Saturday morning at the Madronia Cemetary in Saratoga.  It was a glorious morning in that park-like setting with the colors of Spring all around.  The four sons of Bob and Bee Hitchman were there to share words, pictures and grand and great-grandchildren with all who came to honor these two loved parents. As Arlene and I arrived, the most apparent thing to me was the festive mood.  There were hugs, kisses, and laughter for all who arrived.  Family members had come from as far away as Mississippi and from Washington to Arizona.  It was quickly obvious that this was going to be a time of celebration.

My dad had passed away in January, 2002, just two months short of his 92nd birthday.  Mom died on the 8th of March this year at the age of 97.  They wanted to be buried together in Saratoga which had been their home for many years.  Dad’s ashes had been kept so that we could do that when mom passed away.  They both died after brief illnesses and were with at least one of their boys when they did.  On this beautiful morning, the talk was all about their lives and the mark they left on those gathered -- many very young and some quite old.  All of dad’s and mom’s brothers and sisters were gone, so now it was the four brothers who headed up this branch of the Hitchman clan.  It was now time for each of them to share their thoughts about “Mom” and “Pop”.

Richard, son #3, spoke first.  Rich is a retired history teacher from Questa Junior College. He has a beautiful way of telling stories.  He traced our parent’s journey from the Midwest to California and their meeting in Watsonville.  Their life together started in 1929 and it was difficult to find a job and a home as they entered married life at the beginning of the Depression.  They raised their four boys in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Saratoga area where, during and after WWII, dad worked in the shipyards of Richmond and San Francisco and then began his practice as a Chiropractor. Rich recounted how the four boys all played high school sports and went on to marriage and employment as teachers, veterinarian and business owner. The two things that Richard stressed about our folks were that they loved to be part of their boy’s sports activities and their strong emphasis on introducing each of us to the Christian faith.

I, Jerry, am the #2 son.  I spoke of Mom and Pop being the strength and safe place for us boys. I talked of King David writing in many of the Psalms where he told of the Lord God as his high tower, a mighty fortress, a buttress and bulwark that he could run to and find safety. Mom and Dad were like the strength and safety Davie had written about. The strength of their character upheld us and their abundant love made us safe.  We could count on their discipline when it was needed and on their constant love even when not deserved.  It was easy for me to desire to follow God when my parents practiced Godly traits in their own lives.  They were like tough coaches who force us to train our bodies and bring them under submission for the battles ahead, but whose love, though not mushy, was totally obvious.  I related how I was sure that Martin Luther, in writing his famous Reformation hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," must have known the strength of loving and caring parents also. 

Michael, the youngest, shared his experience of having mom in their (with his wife, Becky) home in Arizona since dad died.  He became her care giver in all ways.  Mom never had to depend on  hospital care or moving into a “home for the elderly”.  He and Becky became the “parents” while mom became the “dependent” child. It was not always easy, but it was always ‘service, gladly rendered”. Mike spoke of nearly every morning of those six years going into mom’s little sitting area and opening the scriptures.  They shared God’s Word and prayed together.  Mike told of learning one of God’s great principles---the more you serve, the more God blesses.

Jack, the oldest, welcomed all who came and thanked them for joining the four of us in honoring mom and dad.  He told everyone that there would be more time for stories as we all would share a meal at Hakone Gardens, just a short drive away.

As my granddaughter, Madison, sang “Amazing Grace” there in the beautiful sunlight of that quiet place, I had this thought. I’m sure it was fostered by the life and values of my parents:

            Our lives are not measured by the victories we achieve on athletic fields, or the fame that might come to us in our professions, or the wealth we might accumulate through our toil, but by our love and service to others.  Jesus told a lawyer what the greatest commandment of all was; “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind—and—You shall love those around you as yourself.”

It was a “Last Hurrah” here on earth that Mom and Pop would have enjoyed.  But, it was not “The Last Hurrah.” They didn’t want tears to be the symbol of this event.  It was to be a celebration with joy and laughter and bright memories. It was that and so much more.  The Lord God was praised.  It was a great reminder that we will, in fact, be praising God together for eternity. This was the first of many “HURRAHS” and “HALLELUIAHS” for Mom and Dad!

Be Encouraged!