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Larry C
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since 2001-09-10
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0 posted 2002-09-01 02:01 AM



Early Choices
By Larry Chadwick


He was living life as if time didn’t matter. But he was young enough to think he was right. Played cards, shot pool, drank and early on took up smoking. Sooner than he expected he found love. Swept off his feet their whirlwind romance was consummated with marriage. Eagerly he faced life with his new found love anxious to share in all his passions. And it was passion that ultimately changed his life.

Sixteen months later the young lovers found themselves bringing home a baby boy. Eighteen months after that they were bringing home yet another  baby boy. Life was better than either could have anticipated.

Priorities always matter. Until now their priorities were fun and whatever led to fun. But when you are parents to two babies by the time you are twenty and twenty-one priorities usually change. And change often occurs out of events we least suspect.

He had put as much passion into hunting and fishing as he had into his marriage and good times. The fact that hunting season was here again was not only an opportunity for good times but a chance to put food on the table. How could he suspect a life altering event from that.

The deer he shot wasn’t killed in the first shot. And when he went to finish what he had started…the deer looked him right in the eye just as he pulled the trigger. She was a wonderful cook and was pleased to prepare the venison he had provided. Without complaint he somehow found little pleasure in that meal.

Some weeks later he offered the meat to his father. During a subsequent visit his dad casually mentioned that the venison he shared was perhaps the best he had ever eaten. It was then that he truly had food for thought.

Parenting was far more sobering than he had anticipated. There was so much responsibility. His observations of teenagers around him hinted some sobering things. Raising children that he could be proud of was going to be a big job.

Having selected employment that he knew he would like to pursue as a permanent career allowed him to focus yet more of his passion for life. But he had not anticipated that his decision would have life altering outcomes. People in this work place lived and acted and even talked different than he had ever known. Even here he found more food for thought.

Seldom does the world expect dramatic things from a twenty-two year old. Certainly there is plenty of room for understanding about exploring and experiencing life. But he was a father. He had boys whose future depended on him. He aimed to make a difference.

Ultimately it was his boys who made the difference. But not without his personal integrity and character. He had the ingredients and they were the catalyst. For at that tender age he decided many things and implemented them all.

To the lover he had married he laid out his plan and the basis for all he wanted to do. Raising boys, he explained was a big responsibility. He wanted to be responsible. So in 1951 he changed their lives in the following ways: no more cards, no more pool, no more drinking and no more cigarettes. In addition, there would be no more hunting or fishing and neither would they any longer bring meats of any kind into their home. Vegetarians. And he saved the biggest and best choice for last. One that had eternal consequences. God. They would serve Him. All this at twenty-two. For the boys.

He died fifty years later. He died committed to his Lord. But he wanted his family to make him a promise. I’ve lived my life to serve my Lord and honor you. Live your life so you can be there in heaven with me forever.

For all of the same reasons that papa demonstrated in his life, I too tried to live a life that mattered as I raised my children. Now papa I want to pay you back. Now it’s also for you. I’ll be there.

August 31, 2002 (Rest in peace.)


If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

© Copyright 2002 Larry Chadwick - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
1 posted 2002-09-01 08:22 AM



On This Sunday morning, 14 years since I lost my father, it is with a glad heart I am reading this tribute to your father.  It took me much longer to be able to write what you have.  Perhaps that is the maturity in you.  For whatever reason this came about, I know I was lead here to read it.  For that, I have Passions, and you, to thank.

Hugs to you, my poet friend.

Wanda
Member
since 2001-10-23
Posts 461

2 posted 2002-09-02 09:56 AM


Larry, I just finished reading your story and am so glad I did get to read it.  It touched my heart for I have lost my father in the last few years to cancer.  He lived that wonderful example before his family as well.  His heart's desire was to serve the Lord and his family, and he is sorely missed.  I am grateful to be able to say, "I will see him again."  You have written a wonderful tribute.  Wanda
Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
3 posted 2002-09-03 01:42 AM


Karilea,
How special you are to me. I somehow managed not to speculate about my papa's death except for this past year. It is likely that I had a running head start on my feelings in that regard.

But I told my mom that my daughter's death prepared me for my papa's death without diminishing his loss. So perhaps...

Question, are your writings about your dad available or here in the archives? I would love to read them.

Thank you always for your love and support.

Wanda,
How sorry I am for your loss. But how wonderful to know that is only temporary! Men of that caliber are indeed rare and to be honored. You are truly blessed to have such a wonderful dad. And thank you so much for sharing and supporting me.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Neeraja
Senior Member
since 2002-06-22
Posts 812
The Netherlands
4 posted 2002-09-08 10:51 AM


I never knew my father very well... and still I miss him... so I can only imagine how hard it must be for you to miss your father...



Neeraja

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
5 posted 2002-09-09 12:42 PM


Neeraja,
I like that name. I'm sorry for your loss. It isn't easy. Peace and courage to you. And thank you for your understanding.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

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