Miraculous Sunset by Patty Fitts

Miraculous Sunset
By John C. Fitts
 
​     Last Saturday evening I saw the most miraculous sunset. Now, living on the Gulf on the west coast of Florida, Patty and I have been to the beach many times and have seen some remarkable sunsets. This one was not as spectacular as some of them, but it was far more special. Let me tell you why.     
      It began two weeks previously when I met with Denise. She was planning a memorial service for her husband, Bruce, who had recently passed away from ALS. His wishes were for his ashes to be sprinkled in the waters at the beach where he grew up. She asked for my help with officiating and coordinating. I listened to her tell about the man she married and loved deeply. She helped me understand this tall, handsome, successful businessman, adventurer, traveler, athlete and how they had been all over the world and even run triathlons together. She wanted a sunset service and for it to be a very special time.     
     As the next two weeks came and went and the day drew near, the weather became more unpredictable than usual at this time of year. Saturday morning, the day of the service did not begin well. The sky was dark and it rained off and on continuing throughout day. I began to wonder if the service would have to be moved indoors to the room reserved across the street at the Yacht Club where his family were member since he was a child. There was to be a reception afterwards, so I imagined that the entire evening would be spent there.      
     The service was scheduled for seven thirty, about sunset, As I headed down to the beach at about six fifteen, the sky was leaden gray everywhere, except toward the western horizon. There appeared to be a break beginning with a band of light. I thought, surely not. I arrived early along with others and we began introductions and soon went inside to wait for others to arrive. On the way in I had seen above the horizon a bright light just behind the lower edge of the clouds. I began to meet family and friends who had known Bruce. The word got out that the service would be held at the beach. At least is wasn’t raining.     
     At seven thirty we all began moving out and across the street and a walkway that headed to the beach with me bringing up the rear. I looked up and at the horizon and saw the most unbelievable sight. The golden globe mixed in with the band of orange with purple edges painted a beautiful backdrop.It made a perfect setting for a perfect service.  
​      The miracle isn’t always in the act, but in the timing.