Harold Keller / L’Observateur / November 21, 1999

My grandchildren, please remember … to lie means you are brave towardGod and fearful of man.” – PawpawThis was on a funeral mass pamphlet for my Uncle Roy Francis Schexnayder. I understand it was something he often quoted to hisgrandchildren. That’s very powerful. It made me think of the many times Ifeared man more than God.

The funeral, which took place in New Orleans last week, was like most all funerals attended by family and friends. The priest had a good message andshared how Uncle Roy was a good husband, father, grandfather and a servant to his church congregation.

As I sat in the church, I was reminded of how life is so short, regardless of how many years you live. The Bible says that life is but a vapor – heretoday, gone tomorrow.

At the closing of the mass, a pretty, young girl walked up to the microphone and read the following that was printed on the last page of the funeral pamphlet. Her name was Ashley Bergeron, one of the grandchildren.

Ten Steps to Grow Grandparents

Get a pot of care Sprinkle generosity everywhere Get a seed from God above Plant with everlasting love Water with happiness Fertilize with understanding for those times of complete sadness Stand back and enjoy Sharing your grandparents with every girl and boy Never let go, just keep holding on For someday they may be gone.

A few days after the funeral, I called by Aunt Marie (Uncle Roy’s wife) and asked where Ashley had gotten what she read. I was told that only threeweeks prior to the funeral, as her school was preparing for Grandparents’ Day, each child in her class was asked to write something about their grandparents. Ashley had written the “Ten Steps to Grown Grandparents.”Have you ever wondered what legacy you will leave to your children and grandchildren? I haven’t thought about that too much. The one thing I doknow is that it was evident that Uncle Roy had left something much more valuable and lasting than any material wealth. He left a legacy ofintegrity.

Funerals can be sad, and most are, but for Christians they should be a “celebration of life,” even though at that time it’s hard to accept.

The happiest person in the church was one of his sons, Matt. Uncle Roy washis daddy, mentor, friend and role model. Matt evidently knew what Godhad given him and was thankful for the great life they had together and, in his heart, knew his dad was just passing on to a new life with his Heavenly Father. He was grateful for the relationship he had with his dad,which was like no other that I have ever seen. Uncle Roy had a relationshipwith Matt as our Father in heaven wants to have with each one of us.

Because of the example set by his earthly father, I can see why Matt has no trouble trusting God, his Heavenly Father.

Harold Keller is a regular columnist for L’Observateur.

Copyright © 1998, Wick Communications, Inc.

Internet services provided by NeoSoft.

Best viewed with 3.0 or higher