I was sitting in a little area that was set apart for ministers and musicians in the chapel of the funeral home. I felt a little awkward sitting there, next to the exit and practically in the path of those who were filing past the casket, paying last respects and shaking hands with the ministers. I sat uncomfortably, unsure of my place in this scene as Chad greeted mourning friends and family while I waited with no real job. The men in suits were being ministers, and I waited in a chair.
I saw him walking toward me, and I knew his words would be friendly and kind. He is well-known and well-loved in our town, and everyone loves to see him coming. But, as he drew near, I could see that his eyes were shining with tears. Yes, it was clear when he stopped at my chair that the salty drops were just about to spill onto his laugh-lined cheeks.
He is dying. He has known as much for some time. The fact has been hard to believe and hard to understand. How could this vibrant, always-smiling man be dying? The man who always sees the positive, whose motto in life has been, simply, Onward ever. He has done great things. I mean, great things that have been documented and talked about. And then there are all the other great things, the things that are known only to those who have had the pleasure of being cared for and encouraged by him.
The tears were brimming there on his eyelashes. He reached down and put his hand firmly on top of mine. With trembling voice, he said, Your blogs have meant so much to me. He kept his grip on my hand for a moment longer, and then he gently patted the back of my hand and walked away.
I’m really not sure if he has read two things I’ve written or if he’s read a hundred. But, one thing I do know: I’ll never forget that moment, when a dying man paid tribute to the dead and then breathed life into an unsure girl with his teary eyes and his firm grip and his simple words. As his hand covered mine, I wondered if maybe there is more to ministering than being a man in a suit. Maybe I can be a minister, too, sitting right here at the kitchen table, breathing life into you.
He continues to spout his motto, precious dying man moving onward, onward toward the fulfillment of the hope that is inside him. One day he will suddenly find himself in the presence of his Savior. And, maybe after he hears Jesus say, Well done, good and faithful servant, he will link arms with the Lord and they will laughingly shout Onward ever! into the realms of eternity.
Al, if you’re reading this, thank you.
You never fail to touch my heart. Thank you <3
Thank you so much, Laura!
I know you don’t know who I am, but I love this post and it means so much to me. Thank you.
Thank you, Mary! I’m so glad!
Al (known to me as Nandy) is my grandfather, and this post just touched my heart! I love it!! 🙂
Very touching blog. How well you articulated the graciousness and inner core of a very good man
Thank you, KM!
Love this post about Al! Such a special man and blessing to all who know him.
Thank you GayLynn!
that is such a touching tribute to a great man and oh so true.
Thanks, Bill!
Well said, Melissa. What a wonderful tribute to our Al! Our hearts are heavy these days. Your precious words are a blessing.
Thank you, LeAnn!
Melissa, this is a beautiful tribute to one of Olney’s great encouragers.
Thanks so much, Shelley!
I love Al. He has meant so much to my life. He is so special in my mother’s life. In fact, he was the last person to see my father before he went into surgery and didn’t come out alive. Thank you for writing these sweet, personal words about such a special man.
You made me cry with such a beautiful description of Al. A great man. Always kind. Always smiling. Always an encourager and generous with compliments. Thank you Melissa. Al, if you are reading this, I missed you today as we celebrated and re-dedicated the sanctuary. You are loved.
Beautiful words as always, Melissa. Al is a rare gem…one of a kind. He is very near and dear to our hearts. One of those people that we know, without a doubt, God has placed in our lives as an example to all of us. Love him! Thank you for always speaking from your heart, inspiring us, and encouraging us to pay attention to and appreciate all the details of life.
Very touching tribute to a great man. Though I live far away now, I was lucky enough to get to visit with him last year. Meant a lot to me.