Seasons of Life |
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Grandpa Douglas was a hard-working farmer but he also thought "play" was important. He taught us how to fish, walk on stilts (demonstrated here with LeRoy in the background) and how to play "parlor" games. He liked to swim, play softball and pitch horseshoes. Photo by
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Written by
About a month ago Loyd Wheeler, a Woodpro employee who had worked with us for almost ten years, died unexpectedly. He was 57 years old. He was not only a fine craftsman but also an excellent example of natural leadership in action. Loyd was married and had 7 grown children and 12 grandchildren. Loyd was our friend and is greatly missed by his fine family, his friends and by us here at Woodpro Cabinetry. Wise King Solomon said:
As I speak my thoughts here, we are all on a journey through the seasons of life. Since I’ll reach the “right” old age of 50 this December, I’m just a little further along in my journey than most of you. Like many others I’ve lived through adjusting to school, making friends, puberty, dating and finding a mate. My wife Paula and I were like many young couples who struggled to make ends meet financially and sometimes fought over trivial matters. My sense of wonder at seeing farm animals born into the world is pale in comparison to seeing our three children, Lora, Sarah and Tom, begin their wonderful journey through life. Knowing that Paula’s and my life is reflected in them brings to me feelings of both pride and humility as I marvel at the whole process of creation and regeneration of life. We especially enjoyed the years that our children, Lora, Sarah and Tom, were growing up even though these years passed all too quickly. Paula and I have been challenged in our work life. Paula worked as a registered nurse, hospital administrator and now as the head of administration here at Woodpro. I have been a computer programmer, analyst and cabinetmaker. We are now delighted with our new generation of five grandchildren. We are pleased to play an active part, with the emphasis on play, in their lives. It has taken me most of my life to be as comfortable with myself as I am now. Forty-nine is a great age. I can’t know the future or the season that I’m in but do realize that there are fewer years ahead of me than behind me. Only recently have I realized, at the gut level, that death is a part of my future and a part of the Seasons of Life here on earth. The end of life not only applies to animals, my Grandma and Grandpa Douglas, Loyd Wheeler and other folks but also to me. Many of my years have been high mileage ones. Additional years that come my way are just a nice bonus. I know with certainty that Paula and I have mattered. Just as a part of Grandpa and Grandma Douglas lives in me, a part of Paula and me will live on through our children and grandchildren. We have further comfort in our belief that after death we will be with the Creator of Life. The following meditation was written by John Donne a late 16th century English poet and preacher. During those days the church bells would toll, be rung, when a person in the community died.
The world seems to expect us to get back to normal soon after the loss of someone close to us. But as the poet says, we are diminished and may struggle to find a new normal. This helps me understand why one of our fine Woodpros who lost a 10-year-old son, still has days when he struggles even though the automobile accident occurred 14 years ago. It also clarifies for me why my Grandma Douglas, who lived 102 years and always had a joy for life, sometimes felt lost and alone. She had outlived Grandpa and almost all of the others in her generation. Author Maya Angelou, who wrote, "I know why the Caged Bird Sings," says: When I sense myself filling with rage at the absence of a beloved, I try as soon as possible to remember that my concerns should be focused on what I can learn from my departed love. What legacy was left which can help me in the art of living a good life? I’ve included here the final paragraph from the eulogy of Tom Walker, my wife’s uncle. When Tom died last year his son John wrote these comforting and challenging words: Tom’s family, friends, and acquaintances will each carry with them through life an arsenal of weapons, forged at the fire of his instruction, which will prove invaluable not only in helping to overcome adversity but also in helping to prepare each one to live a purposeful and meaningful life. His light burned very brightly. Now as his light has been extinguished, one need only look around at those who knew and were touched by this man, to see his light reflected and shining strongly and steadily, powered by his fuel. Tom left those who knew him infinitely better prepared and enriched... We who are left behind can only hope that our lives will be as richly productive and will such a lasting legacy. I’m the only one that can walk down my life’s road. Others will travel part of the way with me and other lives and roads will cross my road. Many generations of unique individuals before me have helped make me who I am. Those before us have affected the nature and makeup of our nation and area where we live. I believe that each one of us makes decisions that makes our life’s road unique and one that is affected more by our choices than by our inheritance. There are regions of the United States where it is summertime almost year-round. I’ve never really wanted to exclude any one of the seasons. I like them all: spring, summer, fall and winter. Pleasant thoughts and memories come to mind as I think of each. Similarly to our seasons of each year are the seasons of life. For me each one is for living and enjoying and each one is to be followed by still another great one. When we’ve seen the last of our seasons in this world I believe this will be followed by a new season of life that will be the best one of them all. Here’s hoping and believing that each of your seasons will be followed by a still better one. 12/31/1999 |
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