b'Faculty 5THE GARGOYLE SPEAKSCarson BrissonOlder Than WaterHe is not improving, the voice on the phone from my fathers retirementshe asked, staring at her clipboard. home said. We have moved him to our emergency COVID hall. You mightWhich resident or residents are want to get here soon. Please pass this information on to any others youyou here to see? Are you family? deem appropriate. Do you want the contact information for our chaplain? Have you been vaccinated? Do I made the calls, including the most difficult one. It was to my youngeryou have proof of vaccination? brothera former teacher, now a pastor, whose relationship with ourWe would be allowed 10 minutes father had been at times more off than on.for each visit, one person at a time. My brother was serving a church near Wounded Knee, South Dakota. ItWewouldbegivenprotective was going well. At his installation, his congregation had changed its nameclothing to wear. It was to be taken for him from Man Looking for His Horse to Stars in His Heart. off and left outside the room. We were to exit the facility by a side My brother was appreciative and gracious. He had several pressingdoor. Any violation of any of these pastoral duties, but he would book a flight back to the east coast as soonprotocols would disallow further as possible. It would take a few days. Would I let our father know he wasvisits. on his way?Thensheadded,loweringher After completing the calls, my wife and I packed an overnight bag and aclipboard, Im new here, as you prayer and headed out.probably know. I am truly sorry for Not many miles down the road, I sensed something in the back seat ofall of this. My mother is a resident.E.C. Jake Brisson,Shes on the COVID hall, too.father of Carson Brissonour car. I glanced in the rearview mirror, and there it satwearing a cap just a little too small for its head, smiling ever so slightly. It was the feelingMy wife took her hand.of helplessness.The 10 minutes passed quickly. My father, fit nearly all of his life, with thick, I hate you, I said.midnight-black hair that never grayed, looked worn out. Just before our I know, the feeling responded, but Im here for you, nonetheless. time ended, I began to explain to him the circumstances of my younger brothers delay. As soon as I mentioned his name, my father perked up. I didnt think Id heard that correctly. Here for me, nonetheless? He was here, he said. Yesterday. He didnt come in my room. He stood Yes, the feeling answered. Only I meant the plural you, as in youin the elevator. He waved. He smiled. He said everything was good. He and your wife and everyone else involved in this. English has significantlooked strong. Then the elevator door closed. weaknesses in terms of pronouns. Maybe you missed the plural aspectI didnt know what to say. The retirement home was a one-story building. of the you I used. You teach languages, I think. You should know better.It had no elevators. My brother was 1,500 miles and several days away. I adjusted my grammar: Just how are you here for us? Explain yourself?Oh, I finally responded. Im glad he came to see you.No, came the response, with a disconcerting calmness. I am not allowedYes, my father sighed, closing his brown eyes. He waved. He looked to explain myself. It is up to you to discern my purpose. But I am allowedwell. He said, All the bad things are over. All the bad things are over.to say that some things are older than water. Learn this. I called my younger brother that evening.Some things are older than water? I responded. Riddles? You think thisOur father died the next day. is a time for riddles? I decided the feeling of helplessness and I did not need to continue our discussion. I was wrong. He died worn out, and at peace.Hours passed. Sharing driving duties, my wife and I made good time. WeDear beloved Gargoyle reader: Some things are older than water. And, arrived at the retirement home in mid-afternoon. Identical COVID noticesmoreover, some of them are beautiful.on laminated paper were attached with blue masking tape to both panelsLaus Deo. of its locked front door. We rang the bell.A staff member opened the door, stepped outside, and closed the door behind her. She held a clipboard with a pen attached to it by string. SheCarson Brisson is an associate professor of Bible and biblical languages.was clearly stressed. She did not greet us or identify herself. Your names? Sharon & Brook is published by Union Presbyterian Seminary for alumni and friends of the Seminary.Editors Richmond Campus: Send us your updated information: Please send us the Samuel L. Adams, Faculty Advisor 3401 Brook Road, Richmond, VA 23227 news of your life and ministry that we may share with Rodney S. Sadler Jr., Faculty Advisor(804) 278-4240 others. The Seminary also welcomes updated email Marvin Daniel, Vice President of Advancement2023 Union Presbyterian SeminaryBarb Dodd, Director of Communications and mailing addresses, with current phone numbers. Clay Macaulay, Director of Alumni Development Charlotte Campus:Tim Moore, Director of Donor Relations 5141 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210Copywriter Joe Slay (980) 636-1700 The Alumni Office would love to hear from you!Send news and contact updates to alumni@upsem.edu Designer Edith Ridderhof www.upsem.edu or call (804) 278-4228.UNION PRESBYTERIAN SEMINARY Sharon & Brook'