"That service inspired me to love better." A quote from one of my dear friends after Dale's funeral. She is exactly right, that encompasses exactly who Dale was. He loved well.
Randy's dad passed away on 12/20. While he had been in Memorial Home since August, we still were not ready for him to go. The grief has been deep and raw. But the underlying blessing is that we have been surrounded by the love of many family and friends. We have been so humbled by your kindness. We are blessed. We are blessed.
Randy wrote a poem for the service and I thought I would share it here.
He was born in Western Kansas back in ‘41
Came into a farming family, he was their first son.
He grew up working hard on that family farm.
Always was a quiet spirit, would never do any harm.
The years rolled by and the farm was his, sadly his dad had passed.
Invested blood, sweat, and tears, he was going to make it last.
Along the way he met her and her children too.
They became a family of 5 when they said “I Do.”
Not long after came a wonderful event, about which he never thought twice
It was that day in a courtroom when he passed on the legacy of “Rice.”
Time moved on and the family grew, their 4th child arrived.
Showed all 4 kindness and love, we would never feel deprived.
The children grew and took their own paths, each led a different way.
His guidance and love helped us all get where we are today.
4 weddings occurred over the years and each time he would say,
“I didn’t lose a son or daughter, but gained another today.”
Eventually things changed and it was time to move on,
The opportunity out west was suddenly gone.
The answer to his prayers was a move across the state
For the chance to farm again, he could hardly wait!
Several more years he drove back and forth, tilling up the ground,
Again doing what he loved best, he was the happiest man around.
Although he worked hard every day, the stiffness started to grow.
And the shaking of his hands grew worse, though he tried not to let it show.
His hands shook more and his muscles got weak, it was then he sadly knew,
The days of driving John Deere tractors were numbering very few.
The doctors now said it was a matter of time, the disease could not be beat,
By now getting up and walking was considered a major feat.
His love was strong for his grandkids, he ended up with eleven.
But at times he shed a tear, for the ones already in heaven.
Then the day arrived when the phone call came, the one that we all feared.
The disease had finally taken its toll and the end suddenly neared.
Through tear filled eyes and saddened hearts each one said goodbye,
Knowing that when he was called, to heaven he would fly.
But before he went he shared a gift, that only he could give
We all knew inside our hearts his love would forever live.
Daniel, Alli, Elizabeth, Matthew, Ethan, Nathan, Luke, Bethany, Jacob, Avery, and Nicholas too.
Grandpa’s love will be with you in everything you do.
He loved his wife through good and bad, she was his very best friend,
And he wanted her by his side right up to the very end.
Dad, if I could have one wish today, this is what it would be,
To be as good of a Dad as you were to me and pass on your legacy.
I love you, Dad.
Randy
This might be the first time some of you have seen Alli without her glasses. She finally convinced us a few weeks ago that she was ready for contacts. She looks so different, but we are finally getting used to it. 