BIG SHOES TO FILL

I read on FaceBook that my friend, Dale Garrett, died Tuesday.  When I passed this word to my son, Troy, he expressed the same genuine sorrow that I did when I heard the news.  We sat in the same row with Dale and Pat on Sunday morning at church.  It's hard to believe that he's gone.  Genuine sympathies to Pat and his family!

I was Dale's pastor for nine years.  He was a regular attender and continual encourager.  His unique laugh echoed in our halls and his charismatic smile infected anyone around.  

Dale drew a crowd when he started into his story-telling mode.  His 'bigger-than-life' stories were captivating and often left you wondering how much was actually accurate.  I've heard him tell stories about his brothers and sisters on numerous occasions.  They must have been a tough bunch!  He made them sound like lumberjacks or studio-wrestling types.   He would unwind his stories and look you right-in-the-eye and say, "It's the truth!"  :-)

The whole community will miss him for his assumed role as Santa Claus every Christmas season!  He served the children and adults of our area for years as its greatest advocate of genuine Christmas joy!  He was tireless in portraying this venerable character!  Nobody did it better!

We invited him to stop by one year when our grandchildren were visiting.  They were apparently too young to appreciate him and stood watching from behind their mother.  But Dale spent over an hour trying to coax them to his side.  

Eventually he turned his attention to our son, Troy, and our son-in-law, Jon.  Before long, he had Troy on the floor teaching him how to do a one-handed push-up!  And the stories rolled...

This expression of Christmas joy came to fruition one year during our NIGHT OF JOY celebration.  As we presented the Christmas story that year, I had asked Dale to be a part of the evening.  He showed up - in costume - and greeted people in the foyer before and after the program - picture-taking abounded!  

But the most meaningful moment of the evening came when Dale (Santa) came forward at the climax of the play and knelt at the manger for a few moments.  Powerful!

Many kids grew up at Free Methodist Community Church thinking that Santa attended their church all year long!  

One of the things I loved about serving Free Methodist Community Church was the fact that we were rich with men on Sundays.  There were a number of times during my tenure that I made a special appeal to men in the congregation.  Each time I did so, Dale Garrett was the first on his feet and moving toward the front.  I have no doubt that he loved the Lord and sincerely tried to be a good man!  

Dale's generosity was a hallmark!  He gave freely of his time, talent and treasure.  On a couple of occasions he encouraged me to borrow his Corvette to use in taking Debbie out on a special date.  I guess I was too proud to accept his offer which is a shame because I know he really wanted me to do so.  

In 2012, Debbie and I left our role at FMCC and headed for China to teach English.  Dale was so excited for us.  Many years earlier, he and Pat had lived in Japan for a number of years and he regaled me with stories of the different countries they had visited and lived in.  He strongly reassured me that this experience would be valuable and enjoyable.  Of course, he was right!  

During our three years in China, communications gradually declined - the "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" principle at work!  We distinctly felt the loss even among our family.  We had some pretty lonely holidays during those years.  But Dale never quit communicating!  I have a file of stories that he sent along that brought me laughter and joy at a time of relative isolation.  He kept me informed about his grandchildren and his other activities.  

Like so many others, I'm going to miss him!  I'll miss that high-pitched "He he he..." that signaled his excitement!  I'll miss him coming up to me and telling me:  "Pastor Hal, you're a good man!"  He was the good man!  He made an impression!  Be sure that my prayers will prevail for Pat and the rest of this special family!  Heaven is richer as this new resident thunders down the streets of gold!  

If you'd like to read his obituary, copy and paste this link:  

http://www.vindy.com/news/tributes/2017/nov/02/dale-l-garret/

SANTA CLAUS

I remember the moment vividly!  Our first grade class had walked from Fourth Ward School to the high school auditorium for a special Christmas program. Our class was seated along with our teacher in the balcony.  It was exciting to leave our school and walk along the streets as a class!  It was super exciting to walk into the high school where all the big kids attended school.  The auditorium seats were huge!  The lights were dim to create an atmosphere of anticipation.  Every nerve in my young body was alive!

Before the program began, Santa came out on the stage to give us a "Ho Ho Ho!" greeting.  I was mesmerized!  Who knew that Santa would even be here?

That's when it happened.

A kid behind me apparently saw my enthusiasm.  He leaned forward and delivered a gut punch:  "Do you still believe in Santa Claus?"

Of course I believed in Santa Claus, but I didn't know how to respond to this bigger kid.  Then, he began to ridicule me in front of my classmates.  In short order, he delivered the astute observation that my parents were really Santa.

Innocence lost can't be retrieved.  My bubble had been burst.  I can't be sure, but I think I pretended to believe through that season - for my parent's sake.

Then, Christmas morning came!  'Santa' had delivered well!  My Mom and Dad and sister, Beverly, and I opened our presents with characteristic joy! Empty boxes and wrapping paper piled high in the middle of our living room.

Then, around 11:00 AM, the door bell rang.  Who could possibly be at the door?  It was an unwanted intrusion!  I was delegated to go to the front door and see who was there.  I climbed through the clutter and swung the front door open.

Silence!  I was awestruck!  There stood Santa Claus - beaming at me through the storm door.  My Dad shook me to reality by telling me to open the door. When I did, Santa stepped in and immediately asked me how I liked my gifts. I was stupified!  I told him it was a great Christmas and I loved everything. He told me that he was VERY tired and had to get back to the North Pole, but he just wanted to check on me first!

That did it!  Little did that stupid kid behind me in the auditorium know.  I was a believer!


PS  -  I learned later that this visit had been arranged by my brother-in-law, Lib , my sister, Jeannette's husband.