I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with my father-in-law Frank before the Lord called him home. We shared one truly special telephone conversation shortly before Daniel and I moved here this past May, along with moments in my first beautiful Alaskan summer sitting side-by-side at the slough, and many warm hugs and family dinners in the months that followed. Because our time together was so brief, my heart grieves for the memories and moments together that could have been; for the chance to know the charismatic, intelligent man that many of you knew and loved through the years--the man with a penchant for photography, music, and conversation, a heart dedicated to serving Jesus and those in need, and a deep commitment and unwavering love for his family.
Still, even though our time to get to know each other was shorter than either of us would have liked,what I can say tonight is this: It didn’t take long to feel close to Frank. He was easy to love, because he loved easily. He was easy to care for, because he made others feel cared for. From the very beginning, I felt wanted and welcome, because his spirit was welcoming and warm. The very first time we talked over the phone I was so nervous. My parents had passed away a few years before and I honestly wasn’t sure I’d ever experience the belonging and joy of family again, but Frank was so genuine and kind. We talked of Alaska and our shared passion for social work. His laughter, jokes, and sincerity made it easy to feel comfortable around him.
That comfort and love only grew once I arrived here in Alaska. Over the summer, Frank would occasionally take out his camera and snap photos of Judith, and I’d watch as she reached over and patiently took the lens cap off. I remember him tapping me on the shoulder during one of these times and leaning over to say: “Isn’t she beautiful?” One family dinner, he seemed to be somewhere distant and far away, but all of a sudden he stood up and reached over to brush a stray hair back from Judith’s face. It was a beautifully open expression of affection between a married couple.
Even though my time with Frank was short, it doesn’t take long for someone so loving and genuine to have a lasting impact on someone’s heart. I am deeply grateful for the love he and Judith have shown to me and to each other, and the example of strength, compassion, commitment, and good-heartedness that still lives on in his son Daniel, my husband. I am proud to call Frank “Dad.” May he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus, until the day, we meet again, with all the time in the world.
