After the dinner on that Saturday evening, a video was shown of classmates that were deceased. There was silence in the room and tears running down one's cheeks as each person was projected on the screen. There were a few that had passed away in the 70s, a few more in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
It really hit home when one observed how many had died in just the last few years.
As I sat there and thought about each person, I kept seeing them as that young, energetic individual who was going to conquer the world.
About a week ago another one of my classmates, Robert Carter was killed in an auto accident. His wife of three years survived with injuries.
Robert was a unique individual. In high school, he excelled in sports and building friendships. He served in active duty in the military from 1972 to 1975 and he continued to serve from 1975 to 1995 in the Army Reserves. He was called for active duty in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While he was there, he suffered from Gulf War Syndrome.
Even during the years that he suffered from his own illness, he took care of his first wife, who had a long term illness. He was always willing to assist others, especially veterans. He was determined that each veteran would be taken care of.
Due to his own sickness and not able to get around as easily, he used that time to locate as many classmates from our graduating class. He coordinated many reunions and events for the "1972" Graduation Class of Richfield High.
In 2008, he was given six months to live. His faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ kept him focused and determined to live a life that Christ would live. God continue to use Robert in ministering to others.
He was a chaplain who performed marriages, funerals and guidance for others who were seeking the meaning of life.
As I heard of his death, I was shocked and wondered why the Lord had chosen this time and this incident to take Robert. Since I lived in another state, I wasn't able to attend the funeral. The emotions and tributes that were spoken through Facebook made me realize the impact that he had made on his family, friends, veterans and others that just needed someone to listen to them.
As I am approaching another birthday, my prayer is that like Robert, I will make a difference to other's lives and that I will step up to the plate and bless others as people have blessed me.
God has a plan for each of our lives and we just need to allow Him to use us! Robert did!
1 comment:
Never had a class reunion not much of a thing here and to be honest I wouldn't want to see most of those I went to school with.
Post a Comment