Lyle

From Tom Schmidt on Tues. 7/29:
Dear Friends,

I just received a call from Lyle's son Hunter informing me that Lyle died at 6 p.m., surrounded by his family.

I left Lyle's side just two hours ago, and it was clear that he was slipping away quickly. As late as yesterday afternoon he was still communicating in a barely-audible whisper, and this afternoon he could still smile a little in recognition of visitors. But his breathing was becoming labored, and it was clear to all that he could not last the night.

So passes into glory a man who will be celebrated for his accomplishments as college president, pastor, and Front Porch founder. What I hope to remember (literally, re-member), however, is Lyle's profound embodiment of grace. With all of his experience and understanding, he possessed not an ounce of cynicism. Rather, God's amazing love was a perpetual surprise and delight to him. In my life, no one else has demonstrated such a Christ-like knowledge of me: knowing the worst of me and yet always encouraging me to serve, to love, to grow. Selfishly, I feel like I've lost my personal cheerleader. But as Lyle accepted that his work on earth was done, I pray that I am ready--in part, as a piece of Lyle's work--to embody grace to others as he did to me.

An hour has passed for us, and sadness begins to turn to reflection. But consider what an hour it has been for Lyle!

Peace to you,
Tom

From Flora:
Hello Porchers. I just received the following email from Tom Schmidt regarding the death of Lyle Hillegas. I feel a deep sadness about the passing of this amazing man and also a joy for the touching life that he lived. As I started to gather all your email addresses, I realized that Lyle (after Jesus) is the root of why we all even KNOW one another. He was a solid foundation in our PORCH family, and touched my heart deeply as a leader, mentor, and passionate & faithful man. I have no idea what reaction each of you may have. However, I would like to create a time/space to honor this wonderful man who brought such wisdom and passion to the Christian faith. I love you all very much, and hope perhaps we can find a time to gather (through shared emails or a physical celebration) to honor our wonderful Lyle memories and feelings of appreciation for the time we got to share on this earth with Lyle. For me, it was a great priviledge to share so many Sunday quiches, Wednesday cups of coffee, tear-filled comunion moments, and laughter/knowledge-filled Friday evenings with this man. I imagine him passionately embracing Jesus, now, the way he used to hug Rich or Brandon, or so many others....with a hug smile and hearty laugh. FLORA ACOSTA

I am SO sad. I know that Lyle is with the Lord now, and I know that he lived a good long life. But I am still SAD. This is a tremendous loss. And the thing is that Lyle was always so healthy -- we used to tease him about how he was never sick. For him to die of cancer just seems not right somehow. There is just no word for this other than sad -- grief is not a strong enough word. Mourning only begins to describe it.