When my husband I sat in our living room in the early ’90s discussing the vision for Our Father's House, we never gave much thought to a funeral. My husband David stood behind me and said, “We can do this."
What we did was to create something that provided relief for those who may have been in a dark place. We recognized the needs of those who were unable to fulfill those needs independently. We approached it with one virtue being the most important, and that is respect. We did not judge those who were seeking help. Again, we respected anyone who expressed they were in need and tried to provide help in any way possible.
Recognizing the needs of others is at the core of humanity. Once we understand that someone needs something, we have a choice. We can continue on as if our lives are not impacted by that individual's lack of something or we can choose to impact that individual with selfless consideration. My husband and I will always choose the latter. We would encourage you to do the same.
When we laid my husband David to rest last week it was with great sadness. David was a quiet man and as a result, many of you never had the chance to meet him. He gave everything and asked for nothing. For those of you who did meet my husband, you understand the impact he had on those around him.
During the process of laying David to rest, our family was blessed with some of the most amazing, thoughtful and respectful people. The entire staff of McHatton-Sadler showed my husband the utmost respect and dignity. Ken Locke gave my husband a service that introduced David to those who did not know him, and a reflection of the life David lived. As the funeral procession passed the gates of Oakwood Cemetery we immediately noticed the staff pause, remove their hats and pay respect to a man they never knew. You see, they understood someone needs, and made a choice, to do something that helped fulfill their needs.
I would like to thank John Sadler and his family, Hal Heagy and the staff of Oakwood Cemetery. I would also like to thank Mr. Walgamuth and Akron Concrete for fulfilling my husband's needs when he was in darkness.
