Judy's Dad

First things first.  Judy is continuing to get stronger everyday.  She is going for longer walks and is able to bend over without pain.  She had some stomach cramping but not for the last two days.  Home Care has been coming by every morning.  They have been wonderful.

I have a story I just have to tell.  On the day of Judy's dad's funeral, I was asked to read the Prayer of the People right after the homily.  As I sat through the beautiful remembrances of the grandchildren and Judy's brother I was moved to tears.  I felt led to tell a brief tale before I read the prayers.  I had the message all framed in my mind - last minute like - the way I usually operate.  But... the minister was masterful in honoring the life of Ken Opheim so I decided I would just keep my pie hole shut - just stick to the script, but I just have to share the message now.

Judy's dad was injured on the Thursday before he died.  I got to see him in his darkest hours as he suffered.  He kept asking for me, probably because he felt I was the only one stupid enough to bring him coffee or bust him out of the joint.

I visited him on the day he died.  Before I left, he asked for both my hands.  He brought my hands to his mouth like I was holding a cup and he drank from the imaginary cup and said, "Thanks for the coffee." That was his last words to me.

My last time with my father-in-law.  I got to serve him.  If you knew Ken Opheim, you knew he liked coffee and you knew the first words he would utter when you entered their home was, "Would you like a coffee?"

He lived his life to serve others.  I tried to describe his passion for serving in the obituary I wrote for the Star Phoenix.  I also tried to turn attention to the legacy he left.  His message...serve.  If boy scouts will discontinue because there is no one to lead, volunteer.  If there is no one to organize a fundraiser for your school, volunteer.  If there is no one to teach Sunday School, volunteer.  If canvassers are needed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, volunteer.

Moreover, if there is someone in need who needs help or a listenting ear, be a servant. This is true religion that you look after orphans, widows, little old ladies, neighbours, boy scouts/cubs, anyone with a bump, scrape, bleeding nose, or sunstroke, children in your community, your children, and your wife.  There were so many people that he served.  Fifty three years with St. John Ambulance ... over 40 years as Sunday School teacher - only the tip of the iceberg.

Over 30 years ago, Judy attended a funeral with her father.  The deceased was a pastor and missionary who had served extensively at home and over seas - a truly great man.  Judy's dad was somewhat crestfallen and expressed to Judy that he had his doubts that people would feel his life counted for much.

If anyone wants to be the greatest of all, he must be a servant of all.  Ken Opheim, you were a great man.  You don't have to play second fiddle to anyone when it comes to a life well-lived.  You were a servant of all and I am glad you gave me a chance to serve you your last cup of coffee.