Wally is now in heaven. His journey there was made easier from the love your family gave him. We all have learned from you keeping us informed of Wally’s travels and I will remain forever grateful. Wally’s work ethic and attention to detail created the bond between us. Wally reminded me of my father in many ways.
Thank you Jim! Throughout this entire blog journey, you have remained faithful not only in your reading but in your sharing of very kind thoughts. You only just met my Dad not too long ago, and yet it was very evident you shared some bond at a level others can barely perceive. I was fortunate enough to see if from my perspective—and I remain grateful for that.
Well said! Explained the simple life of a man dedicated to his family and his desire to be the best farmer he could be! I hope I am half the dad he didn’t have to be!
I am very thankful to Kert for his ability to paint such a vivid picture of Dads journey home!
I was ;blessed to have the man with the 63 Pontiac become my step Dad! Love you Dad give a hug to Toni, Terry, and of coarse Mom!
Thank you Kert. You are an amazing writer and shared your dads life here on earth so beautifully. If we all can be half as kind and humble as Uncle Wally was, this world on earth would be such an amazing place. We love you and the rest of the family. We ALL are so blessed to have had your dad in our lives. Uncle Wally go dance with Aunt Annie and enjoy being with the rest of the family who are waiting for the rest of us to join them ❤️❤️🥰🥰
My aim in life now is to aspire to be a quarter of his kindness—THAT would STILL be enough to change this world for good. Even with the ravages of his six year companion, Dementia, Dad remained the kindest man I have ever known. And no, I’m not biased when I write that.
Thank you Kert for opening your heart to share your dad's journey home. We are blessed to have heard your words, gathered insight, and experienced eldering in the most profound and loving way. May you and your family rest now with the beautiful tapestry of this time and continue to weave your colors into your book of life. Peace be with you all. Holli
Thank you Holli! There is relief in the house at the moment but also an understandable emptiness. Just a part of the unexpected “arisings” that will surface in these precious moments without Dad somewhere on this miraculous earth. Riding the waves of grief—and keep our heads above the water.
What a beautiful tribute to your dad and for your family too. I’m glad your dad is finally at rest…quite the journey he had! He always had a smile on when when I would see him at church. In addition to your mom, Toni and terry and his family and parents…he will be welcomed with open arms by his good buddy Fr. John murtagh! Praying for all of you as you grieve but also all your special memories of your dad will carry you for months to come! Love you all. Janet
With your memories of him added in as well, Janet. Love you and Thank you. We are losing the Elders of “the Greatest Generation.” Thinking of your Dad tonight too. May all our ancestors guide us toward the discovery of new ancestors—we need them more than ever. And so may we always ask our ancestors for their guidance and their protection—and then for their forgiveness at not heeding their examples and Elderings while they were among us.
Thanks Ricki, and remember, we didn’t lose him—everyone else, and we, gained him in a new way. Point to your heart. We’re pointing to ours. I’m pointing to mine. And I’m remembering. Even today, the morning after a night of fitful sleep, more memories are flooding the heart. And their flow is soothing.
What a glorious gift for your Dad and for your entire family Kert! Now rest in peace Wally and to the rest of the wonderful family, keep on making and remembering those priceless memories.
Dear Kert, condolences to you and your family at this time. From your accounts, Wally lived well. He lived fully and used up his gifts so that he died emptied of all that was deposited in him. This big milestone brings to mind the Hebrew proverb: “Say not in grief he is no more but live in thankfulness that he was.” We join you in celebrating his life.
You started a wonderful tradition with this blog. The theme drew many of us in, the focus kept us invested, and your beautiful writing style made it a great experience. Please don't stop now that Wally is no longer here with us. Continue because he was here. The Ivorian proverb, "The death of an elderly man is like a burning library," is a powerful metaphor that speaks to the immeasurable loss of knowledge, wisdom, and experience that occurs when an elder passes away. The death of an elder can leave a community with a sense of collective amnesia, emptiness, and loss as if a crucial part of their shared memory has been erased. When an elder dies, it is not just their family who grieves but also the wider community, as everyone who knew and respected the individual is impacted in some way.
The Wally's Community that you built here has broadened beyond the scope of your original intention of using it to inform about how your dad is doing. You learned a lot from him that you freely shared with us. Search within , and you will find lots of other great insights that you need to share to keep the circle of eldership going.. So, keep writing, Kert. You have gaps to fill to save the Elder Wally library from burning. No pressure. Take whatever time you need to lean in to your grief, but return to keep sharing about how your dad lived such a quiet transformational life.
Okay Tomi, Soul Sister, I think you just “sealed the deal” that we need to find each other in this world and share quality time together in the same space. This is a remarkable response—you have so gracefully captured the profound essence and even the pathos of my reflections through the life of the blog, certainly, but also most profoundly since Dad took his final steps that began in earnest, late February. I have take a screenshot of your response so that I have it quickly available to re-read. Especially both of the Proverbs you quote—the sign of someone 100% tuned-in and resonant is when they can link sentiments to other lived experiences, especially those from our mystic ancestors, that are transformational in their power to resonate, connect, and inspire. You have just now done that. The manner in which you articulated it all is also truly humbling—I’m your grateful reader and now student of the Proverbs you offer in your Substack blog.
Don't know how I missed it earlier. Please keep this blog going. I gave it a shoutout on the Thursday Substack hangout yesterday. I hope more people come here to enjoy the rich insights that you provide. And yes, we need to find each other. I had hoped to make it to the funeral but I'll be out of the country then. Will be part of the Zoom audience though. And we can find the time to connect in the coming months. I feel the same way about this space as you do about my blog. You are a master connoisseur of great soul food in this space. Again, keep the insights coming.
Kert, Kristin and family
Wally is now in heaven. His journey there was made easier from the love your family gave him. We all have learned from you keeping us informed of Wally’s travels and I will remain forever grateful. Wally’s work ethic and attention to detail created the bond between us. Wally reminded me of my father in many ways.
Love,
Jim & Steph
Thank you Jim! Throughout this entire blog journey, you have remained faithful not only in your reading but in your sharing of very kind thoughts. You only just met my Dad not too long ago, and yet it was very evident you shared some bond at a level others can barely perceive. I was fortunate enough to see if from my perspective—and I remain grateful for that.
Well said! Explained the simple life of a man dedicated to his family and his desire to be the best farmer he could be! I hope I am half the dad he didn’t have to be!
I am very thankful to Kert for his ability to paint such a vivid picture of Dads journey home!
I was ;blessed to have the man with the 63 Pontiac become my step Dad! Love you Dad give a hug to Toni, Terry, and of coarse Mom!
Love You Dad!
Thank you my brother. Love you!
Light love and memories forever! Love you Grandpa....
Dad LOVED being grandpa! He took great pride in every single grandchild.
Thank you Kert. You are an amazing writer and shared your dads life here on earth so beautifully. If we all can be half as kind and humble as Uncle Wally was, this world on earth would be such an amazing place. We love you and the rest of the family. We ALL are so blessed to have had your dad in our lives. Uncle Wally go dance with Aunt Annie and enjoy being with the rest of the family who are waiting for the rest of us to join them ❤️❤️🥰🥰
Love you Suzette!
My aim in life now is to aspire to be a quarter of his kindness—THAT would STILL be enough to change this world for good. Even with the ravages of his six year companion, Dementia, Dad remained the kindest man I have ever known. And no, I’m not biased when I write that.
Thank you Kert for opening your heart to share your dad's journey home. We are blessed to have heard your words, gathered insight, and experienced eldering in the most profound and loving way. May you and your family rest now with the beautiful tapestry of this time and continue to weave your colors into your book of life. Peace be with you all. Holli
Thank you Holli! There is relief in the house at the moment but also an understandable emptiness. Just a part of the unexpected “arisings” that will surface in these precious moments without Dad somewhere on this miraculous earth. Riding the waves of grief—and keep our heads above the water.
To the cousins,
What a beautiful tribute to your dad and for your family too. I’m glad your dad is finally at rest…quite the journey he had! He always had a smile on when when I would see him at church. In addition to your mom, Toni and terry and his family and parents…he will be welcomed with open arms by his good buddy Fr. John murtagh! Praying for all of you as you grieve but also all your special memories of your dad will carry you for months to come! Love you all. Janet
With your memories of him added in as well, Janet. Love you and Thank you. We are losing the Elders of “the Greatest Generation.” Thinking of your Dad tonight too. May all our ancestors guide us toward the discovery of new ancestors—we need them more than ever. And so may we always ask our ancestors for their guidance and their protection—and then for their forgiveness at not heeding their examples and Elderings while they were among us.
We are sorry for your loss. I’m sure Aunt Annie was happy to see him. He was definitely a great man
Thanks Ricki, and remember, we didn’t lose him—everyone else, and we, gained him in a new way. Point to your heart. We’re pointing to ours. I’m pointing to mine. And I’m remembering. Even today, the morning after a night of fitful sleep, more memories are flooding the heart. And their flow is soothing.
What a glorious gift for your Dad and for your entire family Kert! Now rest in peace Wally and to the rest of the wonderful family, keep on making and remembering those priceless memories.
Love, just love, for all of you!
Konnie McGruder
Thank you Konnie. Your words and engagement here have been inspirational for all of us.
🙏💜
Dear Kert, condolences to you and your family at this time. From your accounts, Wally lived well. He lived fully and used up his gifts so that he died emptied of all that was deposited in him. This big milestone brings to mind the Hebrew proverb: “Say not in grief he is no more but live in thankfulness that he was.” We join you in celebrating his life.
You started a wonderful tradition with this blog. The theme drew many of us in, the focus kept us invested, and your beautiful writing style made it a great experience. Please don't stop now that Wally is no longer here with us. Continue because he was here. The Ivorian proverb, "The death of an elderly man is like a burning library," is a powerful metaphor that speaks to the immeasurable loss of knowledge, wisdom, and experience that occurs when an elder passes away. The death of an elder can leave a community with a sense of collective amnesia, emptiness, and loss as if a crucial part of their shared memory has been erased. When an elder dies, it is not just their family who grieves but also the wider community, as everyone who knew and respected the individual is impacted in some way.
The Wally's Community that you built here has broadened beyond the scope of your original intention of using it to inform about how your dad is doing. You learned a lot from him that you freely shared with us. Search within , and you will find lots of other great insights that you need to share to keep the circle of eldership going.. So, keep writing, Kert. You have gaps to fill to save the Elder Wally library from burning. No pressure. Take whatever time you need to lean in to your grief, but return to keep sharing about how your dad lived such a quiet transformational life.
Again, my condolences..
Okay Tomi, Soul Sister, I think you just “sealed the deal” that we need to find each other in this world and share quality time together in the same space. This is a remarkable response—you have so gracefully captured the profound essence and even the pathos of my reflections through the life of the blog, certainly, but also most profoundly since Dad took his final steps that began in earnest, late February. I have take a screenshot of your response so that I have it quickly available to re-read. Especially both of the Proverbs you quote—the sign of someone 100% tuned-in and resonant is when they can link sentiments to other lived experiences, especially those from our mystic ancestors, that are transformational in their power to resonate, connect, and inspire. You have just now done that. The manner in which you articulated it all is also truly humbling—I’m your grateful reader and now student of the Proverbs you offer in your Substack blog.
Don't know how I missed it earlier. Please keep this blog going. I gave it a shoutout on the Thursday Substack hangout yesterday. I hope more people come here to enjoy the rich insights that you provide. And yes, we need to find each other. I had hoped to make it to the funeral but I'll be out of the country then. Will be part of the Zoom audience though. And we can find the time to connect in the coming months. I feel the same way about this space as you do about my blog. You are a master connoisseur of great soul food in this space. Again, keep the insights coming.