Friday, January 1, 2010
Yesterday Mary sent me an e-mail telling me that Wally has died. It is a profound event to lose a friend like Wally. I am in a remote Indian village in northern Mexico, building a log/frame building. Every day, I use the carpentry skills that Wally and I learned together 40 years ago. I worked with Wally in Lincoln and Omaha, and we lived together with Howard Wellenseik and Denny Kramer. When you worked with Wally (or his father), you learned the value of hard work and giving your employer production for your pay! In those days, we learned to drink beer, party, fight, and generally do what we thought made you grown up. Although we both believed in God, neither of us was willing to allow Him to be Lord in our lives. Eventually, we both married. Wally was in my wedding, and I returned from Colorado for his. We moved Westward, and he moved south, and we have not crossed paths for 40 years. When I heard he was sick, I called him and it was as if the 40 years had not passed€”we had a great visit. He told me about his €œsouthern family€ and how they were caring for him. Most importantly, he told me he was a Christian€”and had been for some time! He knew he was dying and was OK with that. I hung up with overwhelming feeling that Wally was going to be alright.. I immediately called Howard. He is fighting cancer and we talk often. When I told him that Wally was a Christian, Howard said it made the hair stand up on his neck. It was an emotionally call for both of us. I wish I could be there for the service, but travel to Tennessee is not possible right now. I€™m sure Arlie, Louie, Terry, Marilyn, Carol and the whole gang will be there. Matt and Lori, you had a fine man for a father. What a comfort to know that right now, he is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Coy Bretthorst PS You may read this at the service if you wish.
