A Few Good Men

This year has seen the passing of some pretty incredible men in my life - my father in law, my voice teacher from college, and my uncle. When I say incredible - they truly were gifted, gracious, larger than life men who impacted my life in quite specific ways. I think we are always looking for a "few good men" to be our role models and leaders, and unfortunately finding them is kind of hard these days. When God brings one into our lives, what a gift.

I knew my father in law first as an administrator and teacher. He had been at Grace for 25 years when I first knew him as a college freshman. I knew he had several children, 7 to be exact, and one was my age. Carlon was a cut above everyone else - and I know why - he had a cut above dad. His first car, his prize and joy, was a Dodge Charger - and he took exceptional care of his prize. He and his dad enjoyed working on cars together. We were waiting for his dad one day after classes, something about the car, and I'll never forget the look on Carlon's face as he looked up and saw his dad walking towards us. It was pure admiration - I've never seen anything like it. I felt a little jealous - did he look at me that way sometimes too?! Did his eyes shine like that when he saw me coming? Probably not at that time - but - wow... wow... wow. That must be one great dad. And, I can attest to the fact that he was. What a blessing to be in a family loved by such a man.

My college voice teacher, Mr. Wiebe, was a musical inspiration like no one I had ever known. My first choice of colleges was not Grace, but God had much better plans for my life! In this small school where everyone knew everyone, I found myself in a warm, nurturing environment for musical growth. Along with that a desire to glorify God with music was drilled into every practice and performance. And passion!!! Mr. Wiebe couldn't complete a rehearsal without dripping with sweat, shedding a few tears, and working us hard. It had to be perfect - and we wanted to be! I memorized every facial expression, every move he made, every cue, every breath - I internalized him! He took a chance on this incoming freshman, giving me a solo in the Christmas performance of the Messiah. Really - ME? Singing "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth" with a full orchestra - it felt like an out of body experience. Had I gone to my first choice of colleges, I know that opportunity would never have been given to - me. He was direct and honest during voice lessons - but that just made me work harder. He had a beautiful bass voice. Mr. Wiebe was absolutely the best musician I had ever known. I've noticed, and so have others, that when I direct I move a LOT. And make lots of faces - expressions - is a nicer word. I feel like I go to a place deep inside, a passion, that only comes out at those times. Well - it's the inner Mr. Wiebe. I've channeled him, unknowingly by the way - but it's him you see in me. I could never change. He was simply the best.

My uncle, Buford Geddie, my Dad's second oldest brother, is probably the kindest person I have ever known. Really - the absolute kindest. He was a handsome, gifted man who loved people in a way I have rarely seen in my whole life. He had a big smile that broke across his face whenever he saw me, or anyone, and never left. I was always Bonnie Ann to my Texas relatives, and he would say when he would see me - every single time, without fail - (remember, Texas accent here) "Why Bonnie Ann! It is so good to see you darlin! How are you!?" And - he meant every word! Who means those words, really means them, most of the time? He owned I think at one time 13 pharmacies in Corpus Christi - and every customer felt like a personal friend. He loved and cared for his parents, called them "Mama" and "Daddy." He truly was a good son. I watched him. When I married, he loved my husband and eventually my children. At the age of 90, I believe he was still singing in the choir, helping out at his church, busy with activities at his retirement home. He took his daughters on an Alaskan cruise about a year ago. He was a good son, a good brother, a good husband, a good father, a good uncle, a good friend - a good man.

Now - I have raised men. I pray that they will also be good men - good husbands and fathers and brothers, and sons. I pray a lot for them, and always have. I pray that they too will leave this a world a better place than when they entered it. I pray that they will be larger than life men, who know what is important, who leave a legacy of godliness in ways that cannot be measured except by the blessings they leave in the lives of the people they touch. It's a big order, I know, but I have seen a few good men - and I know God can answer that prayer.