One of the things Dad taught me was if you are asked to be a pallbearer your only response is "I'd be honored". Doesn't matter if you are planting, harvesting, or not really in the mood. The only excuse is if you are physically incapable or some other extraordinary circumstances.
So please understand today I'm not going with Mom to have eye surgery, planting corn, working ground, or any of a hundred other things that what I am doing is honoring Dad's wishes and ideas. When Fern called Saturday morning my only possible response was "I'd be honored".
Last week we lost a friend who could be considered a quiet pillar in the church. Quiet because that was just his nature. I may be mistaken, but I never remember him teaching a Sunday School class, or singing a special, or any of the "up front" things that go on in a church. Perhaps he did and I just don't remember it, or it was before I became active in the church. But he was a pillar because he was always there. And you knew if something needed done he'd be in the middle of it if at all possible.
I think I am correct when I say they were the oldest couple in church, and when he died he was the oldest active member.
When you talked with this mild mannered older gentleman it was easy to miss some important facts. Charles joined the U.S. Marine Corps on December 27, 1943. He served with the first amphibian unit driven into battle in WWII. He saw action in Saipan, the Marianas Islands, Tinian and Iwo Jima. You may remember that epic photo from WWII of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi in the island of Iwo Jimo. Yes, Charles was there.
To most of us he was just an old farm boy.
I hope to live my life in such a way to someday be carried by 6 good men who consider it an honor to be asked.
