Christmas 2006 everyone in our family received a gift my Grandpa had been working on for a year without telling any of us. At the time we realized how special it was but it wasn't until the last six months that we realized how much we will cherish it and in some ways lean on it for the rest of our lives.
Gramps, being the great story teller that he was, had put together a 4 CD set of stories from his life and ministry. Last January through the beginning of March I went for a walk with my Gramps almost every morning- him in my ipod walking with me through Chester Park in Duluth. The first week in March I had finished the loop I like to do and the dogs were a mess. (Those of you who have been through Chester or any other park in the Spring know what I am talking about) This day I decided to keep listening to Gramps as I gave the dogs a bath. I had just finished when I heard him say, "One more little chat and then we're gonna put this tape to bed." I thought alright I wonder which one he'll end with. Then he said, "Someday you're gonna get a call that says Grandpa's gone, he's passed away." Whoa... turn on the water works. It was a good thing I was home and not in the middle of Chester because I was a goner. He proceeded to walk us through what that time would be like. How fitting of him. He is the one we have always turned to in times like this and here he was preparing us without even knowing how soon he would be going home.
When we realized that his cancer was terminal many of us knew we had to share those words with others. It was decided that when we put together a slide show we would share his words with all those who loved and knew him. We couldn't play the whole last chapter, but we could share what he would have most wanted us to, what he had lived his whole life to share.
I wanted to share this with those of you who knew him and were not able to be there with us, with those of you who knew him through each of us and would want to see it, and with those of you who may not have known him but would be touched by what he had to say. (For you who didn't know him- and some that did, the pictures may get a little long not knowing who is in them so the part where he is talking is 2:30-5:30)
I knew last Christmas that one of the greatest aspects of this gift was knowing I would always be able to hear his voice. I didn't know until now how much of a comfort it would be to me.
8 comments:
Thank you, Christie, for giving those of us who couldn't be at your grandpa's service a chance to hear his good-by and his affirmation of faith. What a gift he gave to his family and friends!! We will miss him and your grandmother at Elbow Lake. He was a special person. Harry and Carole Garrett
Thank you for sharing this with us. It is great to see him in the old days with Shirley... he never really did have hair did he... And to hear his voice, telling a story, you will always be able to hear him, hear him talk to you, and tell you a story. One of the many great gifts he has given all the people who love him. You guys did a great job pulling it all together, I am sure many, many people will treasure it.
Thanks Christie for posting this video from Wally's Hallelujah Service. I had the opportunity to get to know Wally while I was the Associate Pastor at Chisholm Baptist. What a fun man of God! Blessings to your family...Jeff H.
Hey Christie. Thanks so much for posting that on the website. The kids and I enjoyed looking through the pictures again. Just as many tears as the first time! We had to laugh as we looked at all the pictures of him with no hair - we are imagining that he is probably loooking down at us right now, with a large ponytail!!! Maybe not that extreme but Joshua thinks it's cute that he probably has hair again. Thanks for all the updates and the wonderful info on here. It was such a pleasure to know your Grandpa. He certainly was a very special person.
Michelle
What an awesome remembrance of Wally. He was such a great guy and will be missed. Keeping your family in our prayers and thoughts.
Long family
Thank you for sharing that with all of us. I did not know your grandpa well, but I know that he was a man of great faith. That is evident in his legacy--his family. Josh knew Wally better than I, and I know he has a deep respect for your grandpa.
We're thinking of you guys as you navigate life on earth until the day you get to meet up with your grandpa in Heaven.
Love in Christ,
Melissa and Josh
Thank you so much for sharing with us that couldn't make the trip north. Your Grandfather will forever be a part of Elbow Lake. Always, Diana Lundquist
Hi Christie,
Thanks for putting this up. It was really nice to be able to see and hear. You and your family have been in my thoughts these past few months; I hope you are all doing well in this new transition. What a blessing to have been able to spend such meaningful times with your gramps. He was certainly a fun guy!
Mary Conger
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