olger Posted March 12, 2008 Posted March 12, 2008 My father died today. He was 76 years old. A polio victim of 54 years, he was ready to go and at peace. His faith in God is an encouragement to thousands of people. I know, because I keep hearing this from others. Kind of dreading the long visitation lines Thursday (they're predicting 1,000 people at the viewing) but it's not about us anyway. The Lord will sustain, slightly older olger "Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace." Quote "Please don't feed the drama queens.."
darlene Posted March 12, 2008 Posted March 12, 2008 I'm really sorry to hear of your father's passing, Olger. No matter how old they are it is still very final. I'm dreading my mother's passing. She is 95. She also is ready to go, but am I am my family ready to let her go? May God be especially close to you and your family at this time. Quote
olger Posted March 12, 2008 Author Posted March 12, 2008 Much appreciated, comrades. Dad was an unusual person. Contracted polio 3-months after he was married. The last time he walked was from the bathroom to the sofa in 1954 -- he was sick and they weren't sure what was wrong with him. He fell on the way there, pulling mom down with him. After five months in the hospital, and 21-days in an iron lung he got out. Now what? He held office jobs. He started a charity group that lasted till today. He was chairman for 40-years of this charity organization. In the late 70's he started a christian school and today the school has over a hundred students. Throughout his life, whenever someone was down, or going through a tough time he would send them a letter to encourage them. As a boy, I must have carried hundreds of those letters to the mailbox. I didn't know what was in them, until years later people would tell me about getting a letterfrom dad. It's a good thing to touch the lives of so many people. When I was a boy I suppose I would have traded some of that for someone to play ball with, but time has taught me the value of his example. I'll close with something he always told me when i carried those letters to the mailbox. "Put the flag up, son." There is a flag somewhere for each of us, that needs put up. Who are we encouraging in life? How is our life touching that of others in a positive way? Are we available to care about others, or have we focused on self until the flame of compassion has flickered low? To each one, there is hope today. If we have thought amiss, we can think aright. If we have driven the wrong road, we are free to turn around. If we fear that our wasted yesterdays might steer us through life, God can restore the years that the locusts have eaten. Gerry Wagoner Quote "Please don't feed the drama queens.."
darlene Posted March 12, 2008 Posted March 12, 2008 It sounds like your father was a very special and remarkable person! He did leave a good example for you, your family and many others. Polio also affects some in my family. I have an aunt and an uncle whose feet lost much muscle control. They could however walk, though limited. So, from that, I can really admire your father and how he did so much even with the limits this disease put on him. You were truly blessed to have had a father like you had! I'm sure he will be missed. Quote
Administrators Gail Posted March 13, 2008 Administrators Posted March 13, 2008 Cool story, Gerry, about the flag! Please accept my sympathies. I'm so glad that your dad was a believer- what a difference it makes in the prospect of life here on earth and the hope we carry! It sounds like your pa was a picture of this! Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Moderators Nan Posted March 13, 2008 Moderators Posted March 13, 2008 Please accept Sammy and my condolences too Gerry. We have all too recent memories of losing a parent - your expression of being 'slightly older' certainly hits the mark. The blessing of saying "Till we meet again" and not "Good bye for ever" is so great. May God sustain you and your family today and in the days ahead. Quote
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted March 13, 2008 Members Posted March 13, 2008 I'm sorry to hear about your dad, Olger. He sounds like he was a great man, yet humble. He taught thee well. Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Administrators Gail Posted March 13, 2008 Administrators Posted March 13, 2008 Nice flowers, Pam! I always like it when you post! Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Woody Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 Sounds like a wonderful man. My condolences to you and your family. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Stan Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 Gerry, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Courage Stan Quote If you receive benefit to being here please help out with expenses. https://www.paypal.me/clubadventist Administrator of a few websites like https://adventistdating.com
Moderators John317 Posted March 13, 2008 Moderators Posted March 13, 2008 Gerry, I'm very sorry to hear about your father. He's obviously a father that you can be rightly proud of. What a difference it makes to know that one day you will see him again. God's blessings on you and all your family. Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Moderators Jeannieb43 Posted March 14, 2008 Moderators Posted March 14, 2008 What a legacy you have, Olger. I'm sure the viewing today was difficult for you, but it was therapeutic to all those who loved him. Sounds like he was a really special dad. Quote Jeannie<br /><br /><br />...Change is inevitable; growth is optional....
Planey Posted March 14, 2008 Posted March 14, 2008 Condolences to you and you family, Gerry. From Graeme and Jeanette. Quote Graeme____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
darlene Posted March 14, 2008 Posted March 14, 2008 Today is Friday and Thursday is past. I'm sure it was not an easy Thursday for you, Olger. Now comes the time of truly missing your father. May God be espcially close to you as you realize the finality of your loss. Quote
ChildofChrist Posted March 14, 2008 Posted March 14, 2008 Sorry to hear about your dad, Gerry. It hurts to lose loved ones. ~K Quote Wakan Tanka Kici Un ~~Child of Christ~~
Moderators LynnDel Posted March 15, 2008 Moderators Posted March 15, 2008 I understand what you mean about feeling "slightly older." Your mortality is impressed upon you when the loss of your parents makes you realize you are now in the superannuated generation of your family. What an inspiration to hear how a simple letter can be such an evidence of caring. My thoughts and prayers are with you. LynnDel Quote LD
Moderators Denise Posted March 15, 2008 Moderators Posted March 15, 2008 Hi Olger, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He sounded like a wonderful man encouraging others! So many people need encouragement these days. We will be praying for you and your family. Quote Be Kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another... Monticello Georgia
olger Posted March 16, 2008 Author Posted March 16, 2008 Thanks Y'all. The funeral was good. The visitation was only about 750 ( I know, only? ). It gave me a renewed appreciation for the Bible truth of the condition of man in death. The few Adventists who came through the line were a welcome respite from the "Your dad's now in heaven" bunch (they meant well). I didn't argue with people who said he was in heaven. Sometimes I would say "It's been a good day, and now we are waiting on a better day - the Resurrection day." some pix: dad at 21 (in middle) 1953 Dad giving my sister "The Look" (we all saw that look at one time or another). Dad getting a kiss from Mom (last year). His dry sense of humor was still operating at 100%. He said (to us kids) "I have a permit for that." olger Quote "Please don't feed the drama queens.."
Moderators Denise Posted March 16, 2008 Moderators Posted March 16, 2008 Nic pictures Olger, thanks for sharing! :) Quote Be Kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another... Monticello Georgia
darlene Posted March 16, 2008 Posted March 16, 2008 Thanks for the pictures of your father. He adjusted well to his physical limits and was one special person. You were very blessed to have him as your father. I'm sure he will be missed greatly! Quote
Stan Posted March 16, 2008 Posted March 16, 2008 Olger Would you mind doing a write up on your father and putting it in the Obituary section? Thanks Stan Quote If you receive benefit to being here please help out with expenses. https://www.paypal.me/clubadventist Administrator of a few websites like https://adventistdating.com
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