dale visser, 1936-2019

it was one of the stickiest days in July, 
when we laid Lindsey's granddad to rest. 
the funeral was over at 
Seventh Reformed, 
a stalwart church that had been standing there 
for decades, old world bones 
holding it together. 
the church was solemn but light, 
the family trickled in as we waited, 
Lindsey, her dark hair and dark children 
all a little bouncy cloud 
floated by. 
immediate family, close friends, 
all formed the processional 
as they made their way to the front.
Marcia, 
Grandpa Dale's fresh widow, 
walked with a quiet dignity, 
her shoulders straight, 
even though we all knew she was 
in mourning.
Brandon, 
a strong built grandson, 
with a clear voice and clear eyes, 
took us down a path, 
marking the road of Dale, 
laying before us, 
beautiful stepping stones 
of good character, 
steadfast qualities, 
and memories that were cut in stone forever. 
he shared with us the integrity filled 
man of honor Dale was. 
he spoke of his kindness and generosity, 
and the more he spoke, 
the more i wish i could have known him
like they did. 
the message delivered was 
powerful and moving, 
and as Brandon closed with a picture of Dale, 
once blind and carrying around a broken body, 
could now look Jesus Christ His Savior 
in the face with clear eyes, 
there were no dry eyes left 
inside that church. 
we sang rich hymns, 
sang for centuries past, 
today, no different. 
i loved stepping into that history, 
following along with an open hymnal, 
imagining Dale singing 
When the Roll is called up Yonder
I'll be there..
yes, indeed. he was there. 
he IS there and in eternity with the Lord 
forever. 
it was indeed, a beautiful funeral, 
truly inspiring for my little heart, 
to hear of a good and faithful servant, 
a man who lived his life completely for Jesus, 
loved his wife and had eyes only for her, 
and was bountiful in generosity, 
kindness, and 
service. 
the very sheet which laid out the funeral program, 
was riddled with scripture passages that 
Dale adored and kept close to him..
it makes me want to be like that, 
to follow after Christ like Dale did. 
i loved sitting in that church, 
where it felt like we all 
stepped back in time, 
reading notes on a page, 
praising Jesus with simple hymns, 
and being so close to heaven's gates. 
it is bittersweet that i am 
only now 
impacted by this man i never knew 
here on earth, 
but i am now marked and changed 
by his legacy.
rest in the presence of Jesus, 
mr dale visser.
until we meet again.