Inspire, Winter 2004

M y father died in August. The last year and a half since he was diagnosed with cancer has been difficult. My brother and sisters live in Florida near my folks and were able to see them regularly. I tried to stay close, but the phone just doesn’t quite do when you want to talk about important matters. I flew down to see Mom and Dad a couple of times this year but always longed to be there when things got tough. My dad never lost his sense of humor. He never was bedridden. He was never in severe pain. He used his dying time to share wisdom with me. He told me that dying with lung cancer was a great way to die. He said, “I have lots of time to make things right with everyone and prepare for leaving. I don’t have to think about if I die, but when .” This was the first time I was forced to think about taking care of my parents. It was a disruptive feeling. After all, they had invested their lives taking care of the four of us “kids.” After we grew up and left, they were self-sufficient — filling their short retirement years with travel, church, friends, and family. When cancer moved into the house, everything changed. Whether the cause is illness or old age, most people go through this transformation in their relationship with their parents, but I don’t know anyone who is ready for it. It is a rite of passage that reminds us — ready or not — that the world keeps on going in spite of our grief or uncertainties. But it also reminds us of the importance of family and the mutual commitment we have for each other. There are no stronger bonds. The family is God’s personal scale model of His love, commitment, and relationship to us. He takes very seriously the responsibilities we have for each other, especially to parents and grandparents (I Timothy 5:4, 8). It is no wonder that caring for family and honoring parents are irrevocable commands (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2) overflowing with promises and fulfillment. The greatest blessing is when your earthly family is also part of God’s family. Then the circle is complete. We love and serve each other with all our hearts because we know that single most blessed truth: We never say goodbye for the last time. I can’t wait to see you, Dad. President’s Pen Dr. Bill Brown President Inspire 5 What’s Abuzz Ground has been broken for the new Engineering Project Building, which will be constructed just to the west of the Engineering, Nursing, Science Center. The new facility will provide much-needed space for engineering students to conduct research and build competition projects. The 8,800 square-foot building is scheduled to open the first week of February 2005. Participants in the groundbreaking were (left to right) Bob Rohm, vice president for Christian ministries; Dave Ormsbee ’78, vice president for advancement; John Anglea, vice president for business; Dr. Duane Wood, academic vice president; Dr. Bill Brown, president; Dr. Larry Zavodney, chair of the Elmer W. Engstrom Department of Engineering; and Dr. Stanley Baczek, dean of the School of Engineering, Nursing, and Science. New Building Underway M.S. Degree in Nursing in the Works The Cedarville University Department of Nursing recently announced its intention to add a master of science (M.S.) degree in nursing to its curriculum. The program has received approval from the board of trustees and is now being evaluated in a review process by the Ohio Board of Regents and the North Central Association. The new degree would prepare Christian nurses for leadership roles in nursing, education, or administration. The program would seek to accommodate traditional students as well as those desiring distance learning, an accelerated program, and/or a biblically based program. The program would also offer exit awards at predetermined milestones for those choosing not to complete the entire curriculum. For more information, contact the department of nursing’s Dr. Irene Alyn or Dr. Kimberly Holliday Sharp ’92 at 937-766-7715.