Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Rev. Ralph Hasten: Husband, Father, Friend

It's amazing how someone can impact your life in such a short time.

The Rev. Ralph Hasten passed away on the evening of Sunday, May 20, 2007.

I had been thinking just last week that I hadn't seen my good friend Ralph Hasten in a few weeks, that I missed him, and that I wanted to make a trip by the hospital to see him. You can imagine my feelings when this happened:

I came into my office on Monday, May 21, 2007, around 1:00 p.m., and I was greeted by a telephone call from Carla Stephens, Lay Leader & Funeral Director for Fair Haven UMC. She inquired as to who would be sending a mass email bulletin to the church congregation regarding the death of Reverend Hasten. This was the first I had heard of the news.

I can't say that I was shocked by any means. He was an elderly, fragile man, who lived a life full of joy. I am, however, saddened by the loss of this man whom I have grown to respect so much. He always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart. I am privileged to have been able to call him 'friend.'

I think a lot of times we try to put a damper on our emotions by turning it around and saying "we're going to celebrate the life of..." or "he/she is home" and whatnot. I am a selfish person, and I am sad to see Ralph depart. I know he is in no pain, and I know he is home, and I know he is happier than he could ever be right now, but I miss him. I wish he were here. I wish I had more time with him.

I met Ralph Hasten on February 4, 2007 --meaning I knew him for 105 days. He was a blessing to me, and I cannot anymore imagine my life without the impact of him. He was such an amazing guy who carried a chipper attitude into any room in which he walked. I feel like this man impacted my life greatly in the short time I knew him. I cannot imagine what some of you may have gained from experiencing time with this man.

His funeral will be in the main worship center at Fair Haven UMC tomorrow, May 23, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. As we remember Ralph, celebrate him, and reminisce about memories we have created with him, let's not forget to carry on his ministry of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ --it's what he would want.


Grace & Peace,

Michael Simpson
Youth Minister
Fair Haven UMC
1330 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77055
713-468-3276 - office
832-704-3862 - mobile
msimpson@fairhavenumc.org

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