Given the timing of the funeral my mind was called up to reflect much of what happened in the last year. Needless to say that is in a previous post. My comments will be directed towards the events of Sept 20th, 2007 not 06.
Let me begin by stating that it was roughly eleven and a half years ago that I first met the Wheelers. Janalynn, Bonnie, Kailey, Kelsey, and I drove up to visit and stay with them.
'Grandpa Wheeler' has a certain quality of being able to put you at ease. He is much like my own grandfather in that he doesn't have a whole lot to say, but yet you feel comfortable in his presence. For myself, his most memorable feature is his accomodating grin, there is a sense of deep happiness behind it. As if all the troubles in the world couldn't keep it from coming showing forth. He was a kind person who took real pleasure in making sure everyone else was taken care of before himself.
I think I need to add that when death's door was fully open last Saturday morning he gathered round those relatives that were close that he could and then called those that weren't there and said goodbye. He told his son Jim that he was tired. He said his peace and blessed his family, reiterating that they were all to take care of 'mother' as he had loved her his whole life and now would not be able to. Not long after he left this life. A true tender mercy of the Lord. How nice to have that final conversation and know that is would be just that; final. Without a doubt that was the toughest thing for me to swallow with my dad's death, the fact that I never had that chance. I am not bitter or even upset, it was the hand I was dealt, but I can recognize that when it does happen--that final conversation--it is a remarkable event, a tender mercy.
Some random notes:
Tanner Wheeler a great grandson attended a scout camp this year and upon announcing his name to a leader was asked if he was Douglas Wheeler's grandson, he said he was his great grandson to which the man told him that when he was a scout he was being electrocuted and Douglas Wheeler, wielding a branch, was able to free him his fiery fate.
A story from Dan Wheeler, the third oldest, that I really liked was that upon doing some things he shouldn't have been doing, his father confronted him and said, "If you persist in doing this (thing) it will break your mother's heart." He quickly stopped whatever it was he was doing.
All the grand children and great grand children sang 'Love is Spoken Here'. At first I thought it would be too much with that many people, but with Porter asleep in my arms I sat back and watched as my family and the rest sang this nice children's hymn.
Every grandson and great-grandson (so far) have gone on missions. The only grandchild missing from the proceedings was Ammon who is currenlty serving in Eugene Oregon.
Natalie calls Grandma Wheeler, Grandma Willow. Upon seeing her at the viewing she(grandma) added that she is a 'weeping willow'.
In all the talk of grandchildren and great grandchildren and trying to figure out what it all meant, Porter proclaimed that he was a 'great kid'. And he would be correct in that pronouncement.
Douglas Wheeler is only survived by his sister Mabel, the rest of the twelve have passed on as well.
Like my grandfather he left a family to serve in the war and like my grandfather he never saw any fighting action. Also like my grandfather he liked to hunt, a lot
The Wheelers are a congenial bunch and you get a sense of sincerity from them. I truly enjoy my time around them and in all honesty could do with seeing them a little more. When we go up for the father's day trip I always stop and see Mike and Denise and talk with them. Janalynn is closest with Jim's kids so I know them better than the others and have always enjoyed their company. I must say that while I am an in-law I have always been made to feel at ease.
Before I forget to add this, Rob and Stacey will add another little to their brood. Ryan Neal Kennington was signed over about a week or so ago. Its still not finished but it well on its way. Congrats.
I enjoyed the trip and the service. In some ways, I guess as much as one can that is not an actual descendant, I felt as if he were my grandfather as well. In all honesty it was nice to have the dates coincide. It gave me a chance to reflect and remember things from last year in a way I would not have had without the services. Grandpa Wheeler was an elite person and while his presence will be missed it was without a doubt his time to go. Leaving on your own terms is truly a special thing.
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