|
David M. Hennigan 208 N. Concord St. Lancaster, PA, 17603 Dmmh@lancnews.infi.net Daveveditorlan@netscape.net Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2000 Dear Family Great to hear about all of the going-ons that make life so interesting_babies, teen-agers and retirements. People keep asking me about retiring. Today I hosted a meeting of some editors and a dozen evangelical leaders in our community_Bible college president, Christian radio station owner, pastor of a worship center, birthright leader, outreach provider to the gay community_you get the picture. As I prepared over the weekend for the session, retirement entered the picture. Wouldn’t it be nice if I were retired, and wouldn’t have to put up with all this stuff, I thought. Then the session came. Lunch was good; the conversation was stimulating. After two hours we came away feeling we learned something about each other. And once again retirement seemed a little farther off. Had a grand time in Arizona this September celebrating Uncle Bru’s 80th. When you combine his wit and Aunt Jeanne’s delicious food offerings, it’s bound to be a party worth remembering. We’re so glad to be a part of it. Managed to play a little golf despite the heat. Have read and re-read Aunt Cricket’s last letter. She was so much of what life’s about. (Have enclosed my column). We are gearing up for another year of travel and golf. Expect to be in the usual places. One addition, Milwaukee. We have a convention there in October. Hope to make it. Understand they make beer up there. Go Steelers! Dave & Molly Access #: 10031424 Paper: SUNDAY NEWS (LANCASTER, PA) Headline: Grand lady is eulogized by Clyde Date: 05/14/00 Day: SUNDAY Section: PERSPECTIVE Page: P-3 Column: COFFEE WITH CLYD Byline: David Hennigan Subject: EDITORIAL Good morning, Clyde – Been busy? "it’s been a time to reflect," my jogging friend said the other day, sipping his coffee. What brings this on, Clyde? "We buried a wonderful lady the other day, Mr. Editor, one who most would have been proud to know. She was my mother’s sister." When and where, Clyde ? "She died in a hospital bed in Wilkes-Barre, Mr. Editor. She had been unconscious for about four days, and there was no hope of recovery. It was pneumonia that triggered a reaction that settled in her spine. Only a week or so before, at Easter, she had a grand celebration with my sister and her husband." I see, Clyde. "She was a teacher, a traveler, a reader and a dear, Mr. Editor. For the record, she had earned a master’s degree from Drexel, in Library Science. She taught English for many years, and was inducted into the Hatboro-Horsham School District’s Hall of Fame. She had attended so many high school reunions that she lost count." "A widow for over 20 years, she had no children but loved her sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews as though she were a mother to them. She worried when one was sick, and rejoiced when they recovered. Upon a death, and in her 94 years she witnessed many, she grieved in a silence that masked the hurt in her heart." "She was a wisp of a woman – size 3 – but had no trouble eating a 12-ounce steak (rare, of course). And for all her deep Christian convictions, she nevertheless enjoyed her happy hours. Temperance wasn’t in her vocabulary. She was stubborn and independent, two traits of her generation. She had presided over many yearly family reunions, being the matriarch of her family for over 70 years. Out wordly she wore that title lightly. But you could tell that she was also proud, proud to be a Mickey – which was her maiden name." "She had many other names – one obituary referred to her as Mae. Some called her Sara, but to most of her family she was Aunt Cricket. When we were children growing up she and her husband Byron (Uncle By) would come for Christmas loaded with presents. They were Santa Claus." Where was the service, Clyde? "Back in the hills above Berwick where she once lived, Mr. Editor. The Rev. William Price, who is almost as old as she was, conducted the service." "The family gathered about 9 at the funeral home for a last look. She was dressed in red that highlighted her white hair. She had a faint smile, and her hands were folded across her chest. She looked so peaceful." "The half-hour service was somber but not sad. She had lived fully, and as we listened to the soloist sing the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ the words ‘thy will be done’ seemed appropriate." "She had planned her funeral, including the scripture readings, and had requested that the great-nephews be pallbearers. They were, " "Following the service at Hunlock Creek, we drove about 10 miles to the little cemetery. We passed old homes, new developments, farmers plowing dusty fields, and a few folks just sitting on their porches, rocking the day away. There probably were 25 cars in the procession." "Tuesday was a hot day. At the cemetery, some sat in front of the casket under a tent as Rev. Price read Alfred Lord tenyson’s ‘Crossing the Bar.’ I have no doubt that she saw her ‘Pilot face to face.’" "And then it was over. As crows called, and a lone dog wandered in the field, the pall bearers carried the heavy casket across a dirt road and down to the gravesite. Uncle By was also buried there. ‘They will have a lot of catching up to do’, someone said." "She saw the world, Mr. Editor. It was only three years ago that she had visited Israel and walked in the path of Jesus, London, Broadway, Paris – there were few places she hadn’t visited." "But now, it came down to this. Born in Latrobe and buried in Huntington Mills, she was laid to rest in the country, the place of her roots." "Who says you can’t go home again." David M. Hennigan, editor of the Sunday News, can be reached by e-mail at dhennigan@inpnewes.com dhennigan@inpnewes.com or by telephone at 291-8686. |