What is the worst, the most terrible thing that can happen? Certainly, it must be the death of a child? I cannot pretend, not even for a moment that I know that hurt and pain but, I do know the other side of that coin. I know that because I can look into my daughter’s deep blue eyes each night, when the light plays softly on her golden curls. I know because she laughs the last laugh of the day when her mother tickles her gently. And then, I know ... I am afraid. I know there cannot be anything worse in this life than to lose her.

Loffie is watching a father that knows that pain. They are talking in Richards Bay. The man in front of him talks about it as if it happened yesterday, despite the two years that he survived after her death. Each fresh tear bears witness of the pain. It is on the surface. For him it happened a moment ago. He talks about life. Death. He says he thinks it was God’s punishment. He has to pay the price for all the mistakes he made in this life.

What is the worst, the most terrible thing that can happen? Certainly, it must be the death of a child? I cannot pretend, not even for a moment that I know that hurt and pain but, I do know the other side of that coin. I know that because I can look into my daughter’s deep blue eyes each night, when the light plays softly on her golden curls. I know because she laughs the last laugh of the day when her mother tickles her gently. And then, I know ... I am afraid. I know there cannot be anything worse in this life than to lose her.

Loffie is watching a father that knows that pain. They are talking in Richards Bay. The man in front of him talks about it as if it happened yesterday, despite the two years that he survived after her death. Each fresh tear bears witness of the pain. It is on the surface. For him it happened a moment ago. He talks about life. Death. He says he thinks it was God’s punishment. He has to pay the price for all the mistakes he made in this life.

Despite the tears, Loffie can offer the seaman comfort and tell him another story. He can explain of the Father that sacrificed His only Son, to give us eternal life. That Father gives immense mercy and grace. He does not hold us accountable for our faults or mistakes of yesterday, or some distant past. That Father offers mercy to free us from the ghosts that should be left behind.

That mercy is also for this seaman, father and husband. God’s grace is there for him too ...

For a brief moment everything looks better. Later the thoughts will haunt him, but only because he is human, not ever because there is not enough grace. Loffie could also give him a Bible to remind him . . . the Mercy is enough. Perhaps with time ...

This Easter we will continue to tell the story of the Son and the Cross to each that wants to listen. We will continue to remind them. His mercy is enough. It is a wonderful privilege.