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Note: [Schumach.ftw]
Eulogy by Douglas Allen Larson -- My Dad, Allen, was a man of few words, but the words he spoke were always carefully chosen. So today let's carry on in his tradition and say a few carefully chosen words.
I know in my heart and through faith, I believe that my Dad is happy and smiling right now and he sees, clearly and without any confusion, God's plan for his life and ours. Those bits and pieces of the plan that we may get a glimpse of in the morning sun or the Fall colors are revealed to my Dad in all their splendor. And because of this we can all rejoice.
As I recall my Dad's life, he seemed to know more than most people what those important components of life are. My Dad's salvation is not based on works alone, but these are the things that we can all see. Those biblical principles that we read about, my Dad lived.
His goals were not to be rich, but to be fair. Respect for others is something that he modelled every day of his life. He was quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and sefl-control are virtues that we have all seen in him.
When the diagnosis was made that Allen had Alzheimer's desease, it did not seem fair to any of us. Why should a man of his character and integrity be robbed of the memories of his life. It seemed that as we became mature enough to appreciate and utilize his wisdom, he would be unable to dispense it. It just didn't seem fair!
i had other more seflish motives for being angry. I wanted to demonstrate to my Dad that I too could be principle-centered. That the example that he had set had some impact on my life. And now, when I was finally ready to demonstrate that to him, he would not be able to recognize it.
I've gotten over my anger because I know I was wrong. I don't know God's plan for him or us. Just tiny little pieces of it, and they are not all that clear or consistent. If I do live a life that echoes any of his virtues, my Dad will know. If I transfer any of those virtues to my son or daughter, my Dad will see. The Fall colors have faded, but the memories of my Dad will not!
We can all take comfort in knowing that he now sees clearly. He knows that we all love him. He knows that we will never forget him and that his life has positively influenced us and will ocntinue to have influence on generations to follow. And for this, I thank you, Lord, for Allen Wayne Larson.
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