Taking leave of our dad

Chris's dad, Jerry Voll, died on 17 Nov 2021, at the age of 80, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. In this video, we talk about how our family took leave of our dear dad, and explain what it's like to farewell a loved one within our faith community, the Bruderhof.
Dad’s story is also included in the book "Another Life Is Possible", published in 2020 to commemorate the Bruderhof’s centennial: www.anotherlif...
Chris refers to this interview by ‪@LaurafromtheBruderhof‬ with a Bruderhof funeral director (mortician): • Talking with a Mortician
About us: We're the parents of three sons and live at Danthonia Bruderhof, a Christian community in northern New South Wales, Australia, and enjoy discussing our faith, family, food (Norann's an awesome cook!), and the day-to-day adventures of life in "the bush".
Follow Norann on Twitter at / norannv
More about the Bruderhof community where we live: www.bruderhof....
Norann is a regular contributor to the Bruderhof website's "Voices" blog: www.bruderhof....
Norann & Chris are both contributing authors for the Bruderhof's publishing house, Plough, and its magazine, Plough Quarterly. www.plough.com...
Joy To The World by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...
Artist: audionautix.com/
#Bruderhof #endoflife #goinghome

[@minejo316]

Abrazo fuerte Argentino queridos Norann y Chris y familia. God bless you

[@DuoDownUnder]

Muchas gracias por tu compasión. ¡Bendiciones para usted y su familia desde Australia!

[@susanroach4477]

I appreciate you sharing this difficult time. Encouraged by your gratitude.

[@DuoDownUnder]

Thank you!

[@blanchehurlbutt7723]

Hugs & prayers to all of you.

[@DuoDownUnder]

Appreciated.

[@_matt_arnold]

Sorry about your loss, I lost my dad in 2016, life will go on, just not the same, its nice to hear he had every one around him that mattered.

[@DuoDownUnder]

Appreciated, Matt. You're right - life definitely goes on, and won't be the same. But there's work to do to try to 'carry the torch' forward for our loved ones who've done their best. Wishing you a joyous Christmastime.

[@megangaukroger4195]

I am so sorry for your loss Chris. My dad died suddenly five years ago and I have struggled with the loss every day since. I was with him while he spent 3.5 weeks on full life support in the Tamworth Hospital ICU and was able to bring him back to Inverell where he passed away four days later. I am now struggling with mental health issues but for those 3.5 weeks, I didn't want to be anywhere else on earth. I met your mum and dad and thought of how much they reminded me of my grandparents. I'm so glad your sisters could be there with you for the funeral and John 3:16 is my favourite Scripture verse too

[@DuoDownUnder]

Thank you, dear Megan. We will pray for your peace of heart. So thankful you were able to spend those final days with your dad, but can understand how tough it would have been for you too. We were certainly blessed to be able to spend my dad's last month together with him and my mom. And I'm so happy you had a chance to meet them both. Dad loved Australia and the people of Inverell especially.

[@maceburr6511]

To share such a personal journey takes great courage and conviction. Thank you both for the generousity of your hearts to share the passing of this wonderful man as a celebration of the joy and glory we can only know through Jesus Christ. Jerry Voll's life is a beautiful testimony to his favorite scripture John 3:16! Blessings and comfort to Jerry's wife and family and to all who knew and loved him.

[@DuoDownUnder]

Your words mean a lot. Thank you.

[@user-is3hp4bx7l]

I am sorry for your loss. I visited Danthonia in 2004 Christmas season. It is a pretty long time ago but I still remember the moments. Specially the most cherishable one is the talk that I had with your dad. It's good to hear about Danthonia far from here in South Korea. Blessings to you all. 🙏

[@DuoDownUnder]

Thank you so much. I am sorry we can't recognise your name, but it makes us grateful to know you remember our dad and the conversations you had. He loved his Korean brothers and sisters very much. Have you had a chance to visit the Yeongwol-gun community? Many blessings.

[@leighwaters5961]

I am so sorry. I was surprised how old Jerry was, he looked and acted younger. Beautiful way to farewell you dear dad. Love as always. xxx

[@DuoDownUnder]

Thank you, dear Leigh. Yes, he was a young 80-yr-old, and kept his humour to the last 🙂. Feel like I may have told you this already, but there was a great pic of him and Dave sharing a laugh (and a beer) among a collection of pics by his bedside. Leaving me to smile as I imagine what they're up to now... Sending you tons of love. Us

[@michaelgibbs3147]

“When he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun.”

[@DuoDownUnder]

Yes! Thank you for the Bard's words. How'd you know my mom is Shakespeare's number one fan?! Blessings, brother.

[@michaelgibbs3147]

@@DuoDownUnder I’ll be at WoodCrest next month 20th-30th with R.Mommsen hosting, if you’re around love to meet you & chat :-)

[@DuoDownUnder]

@@michaelgibbs3147 Would love to connect, if that works out!

[@safehaven2763]

I'm so sorry to hear of your dear fathers and to your mother-of your husbands passing. He is resting high there is absolutely no doubt. Your community lives out John 3:16. I cant even put it into words...truly, truly blessed and so beautiful. Your words Norann, that because you all have each other, you can be present for each other. Just beautiful and no doubt what God truly intends for us all. 💒 🙏 🙌

[@DuoDownUnder]

Thank you so much. We don't ever want to take those blessings to ourselves, but endeavour each day to pass them along, in whatever small ways we can (knowing that 'apart from me [Jesus] you can do nothing'). As Bach would say, "SDG"!

[@bmwood0827]

Thank you so much for the beautifully recounted story of your dad‘s passing and how lovingly the community walked through it with you. We had read your dad’s story in Another Life is Possible and could tell that he was an amazing man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time. 🙏🏼 My favorite verse, that guides me through life is John 8:12: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Even in times of darkness, when we look to Jesus, we see and remember that He is always with us and we can walk as children of light. May God bless you💐🌺🌻✝️

[@DuoDownUnder]

Beautiful verse! Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@benfir8920]

Blessings to you and your family!!!! Much love.

[@DuoDownUnder]

Thanks so much

[@kamerondunn3721]

I grew up in St Peter's UCC in Lancaster when your dad was assistant pastor. My father was Consistory president at the time he left and I know that there was consternation and controversy. I think my mother, Ruth Dunn got along well with Nancy. Our sympathy to you all. I always wondered where Jerry's journey had taken him. I came across your video, well done. Kameron Dunn, Refton, PA

[@DuoDownUnder]

Wow, an amazing connection, Kameron. Thank you so much for getting in touch! Sounds like there's some interesting history to explore there 🙂. Would love to hear your family's angle on my parents' journey. Also enjoying the coincidence that you're in Refton (PA). My parents spent years at the Woodcrest Bruderhof community, at Rifton (NY). Warm regards from the Voll household!

[@kamerondunn3721]

@@DuoDownUnder Thanks for reply. Yes, I had never heard of Rifton, NY as most people have never heard of Refton, PA. And my parents, both dead nearly 10 years now, spent their last 6 or 7 years at a retirement community called Woodcrest! Many memories from half a century ago, Merry Christmas to you.

[@gillianhatters6613]

God love you both, what a beautiful story. Your community practices inspire all that follow you. Thank you for sharing your experience, the photographs tell the story of a beautiful family and a beautiful end of life journey….I have two favourite verses; Trust in the Lord and do not despair…. and …. Be still and know that I am God….Keep shining your light, love from around the world is being sent your way to give you and your family comfort and peace

[@DuoDownUnder]

Thank you, dear sister, also for those two verses, which we too cherish. Christmas is coming, and the message is "Fear not"!

[@td6369]

@@DuoDownUnder The lady who is the Mortician what's her name and where can I find her video please xx

[@DuoDownUnder]

@@td6369 Hi there. Please check the video description where you'll find a link to the video interview.

[@laineyga]

May your father rest in peace and rise in glory. And what a gift it must have been to him and your family to have you present over these weeks. Wishing you God’s comfort and the continuing support of your Bruderhof and virtual communities as you grieve. At the funerals of my grandparents, father, and brother, we read Romans 8:35, 37-39. I have often said that when I am unable to believe anything else with certainty, I cling to the knowledge that there is no circumstance, no failure, no seemingly unbearable loss, that can separate me from the love of God revealed in Jesus the Christ. ❤️

[@DuoDownUnder]

Amen! Thank you so much for this reminder. Romans 8 is so life-affirming.

[@janetcrawshaw2240]

Blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15-16. The God of all comfort be with you all.

[@DuoDownUnder]

Amen. And also with you, Janet. Thank you so much.

[@carriekroehler9929]

Dear Chris and Norann, I am sorry for your loss. I was 10 or 11 when I first met your parents in Lancaster, PA, and I used to babysit your sister Gretchen, whom I loved dearly (as I did your parents). I'll write directly to Nancy but wanted to respond to your "tell one story about how Jerry impacted your life" here. It's hard to pick, but here's a tiny one: When our families lived together in a small community at Mill Creek, one morning my school bus passed a small dog sitting on a hill. The dog was still there in the afternoon, and I saw it again the next morning and again that afternoon. We had a dog, cats, goats, a pony, and about 15 people living in one old farmhouse--no one was particularly interested in another dog--but I talked Jerry into driving me back to the spot where the little dog sat patiently waiting. She had a hurt leg and was hungry and frightened--had almost certainly been tossed out of a car by owners who didn't want her anymore-- but with some sweet talk and dog food we were able to lure her into the car. My family's dog was named Lucky, so Jerry suggested we call this one Happy, and with his advocacy she was allowed to remain at our house. When your folks moved to the Bruderhof, Happy stayed with us and was a great companion for many years--definitely brought Happy-ness! Love to you all-- Carrie Kroehler

[@DuoDownUnder]

Thanks so much, Carrie. Love the 'Happy' story! Dad had a soft spot in his heart for our Australian mutt, Bear (he's in the video, licking Dad's face); Dad said Bear reminded him of Happy, and he loved to tell how she ended up at Mill Creek. Looking thru old albums these last weeks, I was struck by the evident joy / enjoyment in so many of the snaps. Obviously there was a lot of enthusiasm to try something new, and I know my parents always have been grateful to your family and the Smiths for being willing to venture together. (An aside: am I remembering right that you stopped in to visit our family at Darvell, England, when you were a student [or something]?) I'll pass on your greetings to my mom, and she'd love to hear from you as you manage. Please pass on our love to your family. C

[@carriekroehler9929]

@@DuoDownUnder I did stop at Darvell with my husband, Mike! You have a good memory. It was a wonderful visit for us and I remember (among other things) a vast expanse of daffodils--"a crowd, a host, of golden daffodils"--lovely!

[@donghyunlee1623]

난 지금 서울에 있고 조만간 태백공동체를 방문할 예정입니다. 방금 이 소식을 들었고 이 영상을 확인했습니다. 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다. 마음이 많이 아픕니다.

[@DuoDownUnder]

Much love to you and your family, and thank you for being such a good friend to my dad. He loved your family very much. Always remember - we have hope!: 기쁘다 구주 오셨네 만 백성 맞아라 온 교회여 다 일어나 다 찬양하여라 다 찬양하여라 다 찬양 찬양하여라

[@taraburke826]

So sorry for the loss of your beloved father. Our condolences to you, your family, the Bruderhof community and to all those who know and love him. Thank you for sharing your blessed and loving end of life experience with us, it makes us feel like we are a small part of your relationship with your dad and we sincerely share in your grief of the loss of your father. I am most grateful that you encouraged us to study John 3:16. I found this and so much appreciated it's lesson: "Whenever I think of the cross, I’m reminded of the price Christ paid so I could be free. But I’m also reminded of how much I needed that freedom. “For God So Loved the World” Is the First Part of God’s Rescue Plan Jesus came so that, though we were guilty and tarnished by sin, we could receive forgiveness and pardon for all we’d done or will do. Because of Jesus, we can have peace with God the Father, be adopted as His child, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live, fully, in His freedom. Christ’s life and death were prophesied and the gift of salvation promised, from the beginning of time. Adam and Eve rebelled against their good, attentive, and faithful Father. They chose pleasure in the moment over the peace and joy of a relationship with God. They chose their will and their wants, over trusting and obeying their God, and in this, they tried to elevate themselves above the very Creator who had loved them so faithfully. Jesus is not surprised by sin; He was there in the beginning, the second person of the Trinity, and after He was born incarnate of the virgin, Mary, He learned God's Word from an early age and kept it in His heart. In Genesis 3:15, He said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (ESV). In this, God promised sin would not win; though a battle would rage between light and dark, between good and evil, Christ would ultimately prevail, and He did. He secured His victory through His death on the cross. Colossians 2:15 puts it this way, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities” of darkness “and put them to open shame, triumphing over them” (ESV). This allows all who believe in Christ to say, “Death has been swallowed up in victory. ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting.’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:55-57)." www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-does-it-mean-that-god-so-loved-the-world.html

[@DuoDownUnder]

Thanks, dear Tara, for this encouragement! Much appreciated.

[@simong9657]

Unfortunately scripture isn't my strong point, I think you realise this from Twitter. Allow me though, to send my best thoughts from down under to your family and your community. I have been both saddened and made very happy watching this journey you have made. I know that your fathers journey has continued in heaven. Thank you for sharing it. 💙💙

[@DuoDownUnder]

Much appreciated, Simon. Thanks for responding. Have a great weekend. Cold here in NY...making us homesick just a bit 🙂

[@zapiskioxonika]

Thank you for being the sign and witness to Christ's love for humanity in this world. It must be that the word of Christ dwells in your father and your life so richly (Col. 3:16) as your testimonies reach and resonate in the depth of my chasm as if my "dungeon flamed with light" to borrow Wesley's hymn, which is my imagery of John 3:16. Thank you for being the light bearers and participants in His miracles. Peace, love, joy.

[@DuoDownUnder]

'My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.' That last line is the daily challenge for each of us who've experienced the joy of the line before. That's what our dad tried to do, and now it's our turn to carry on. Thank you for your encouragement. For ourselves, to the extent we're able to encourage others, all thanks to God. We know it's inspite of us, not because of. 🙏🌻