Getting Home Before Dark: Stories of Wisdom for All Ages

by Peter J. Dyck

After many years with Mennonite Central Committee, Peter J. Dyck shares stories and insights from his broad experience.

Genres: Memoir

447 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

WE FOUND THIS BOOK FOR MY MOTHER-IN-LAW FROM THE LIBRARY. I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE AUTHOR BUT WAS INTRIGUE WHEN IT MENTIONED A MENNONITE CONNECTION. THEN, I FOUND OUT THE AUTHOR WAS 85 WHEN HE WROTE THIS BACK IN 2000 (HE DIED IN 2010 AT AGE 95). AMAZING! I MIGHT AS WELL READ IT MYSELF. THE TITLE WAS INTRIGUING AT FIRST GLANCE AND THEN THE AUTHOR POINTS THE READER TO THE WRITING OF J. ROBERTSON MCQUILKIN ENTITLED "LET ME GET HOME BEFORE DARK" (THE THOUGHT IS TO ALLOW ME TO BE USEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE BEFORE MY FACILITIES LEAVE ME). WHAT A GREAT TITLE FOR A BOOK THAT TALKS ABOUT GETTING OLD AND HOW TO LIVE GRACEFULLY WITH PURPOSE AS YOU AGE. IT IS AN ESPECIALLY INTERESTING TITLE SINCE MCQUILKIN DEALT WITH A WIFE THAT HAD ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. DYCK GIVES US 53 SHORT CHAPTERS THAT POINTS US IN VARIOUS DIRECTIONS WITH EXAMPLES AND THOUGHTS ON HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE, ESPCIALLY AS YOU ENTER THE SENIOR YEARS. IT IS WORTH READING FOR ANYONE MY AGE AND BEYOND.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent series of essays, stories, and memories, recorded by the author of his vast time serving with the Mennonite Central Committee. I picked this up on a whim, read it daily as a devotional, and grew in the experience. Excellent insight from a someone who's spent a lifetime serving others while committed to Christ.

[Becci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter Dyck is a great storyteller, and these stories from his experience give affirmation for taking care of one's plans for the latter part of life, and eventual death, while one is able to make conscious decisions.