I think I’m a sentimentalist. That is when the names or photographs of people I have known in a positive way suddenly appear. I may be given to shedding a tear or two in some instances. Well, wouldn’t you?
Dianne and I have lived and worked in nearly thirty communities in the almost fifty-one years of our marriage. That means we have come to know people from various parts of the country. It also means that while we were involved in church ministry, we experienced various cultures. So, even after we are no longer in each other’s presence, they may be gone but they are not forgotten. In addition, Dianne, who was a registered nurse at the time, had a number of friends and acquaintances in her work with whom she continues to keep in touch.
One of the contacts we experienced in the hospital in Livingston, Montana, led to the discovery of a procedure that assisted me in overcoming a troublesome malady I deal with. My thanks to Jake!
As a pastor, perhaps the most difficult steps we must take is when the time comes to stand before the congregation we have loved and served and announce our resignation. It’s a move that comes only when we feel it is the leading of God whom we serve first and foremost.
Thus, the result of all that I have described so far is a life filled with great friends and precious memories. Of course, some of those whose relationships we enjoyed have died, establishing memories for the rest of our lives.
This brings me to mention someone who became very special to me and to many others right here in Eads, Colorado. It’s a person whose last name I didn’t even know until recently. As a matter of fact, it is one about who I knew very little. He was the first person I came to know outside of my interim ministry here in Eads. He was the first person to welcome me to this community. After that welcome he continued to make me feel comfortable in his presence. Then I realized that virtually everyone felt that way about DARRELL (PETE) KOCH.
Pete is gone now, after leaving us suddenly. He has gone to be with the Lord, but he will not be forgotten. Certainly, Pete will not be forgotten here in The Garden of Eads.
And then—another Pete. This Pete was one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He played most of his career for the Cincinnati Reds. Because he played the game with great fervor he was nicknamed “Charlie Hustle.”
Pete Rose died last month at the age of 83.
Finally, men, Fight Club meets Tuesday, November 19th, 6:30 p.m. at JJ’s Restaurant.
I have wanted to mention the generosity of Jennifer, proprietor of JJ’s, for setting up and making arrangements for our Fight Club monthly meetings. Thank you, Jennifer.
We appreciate you!
