Thomas Hardy Pedler
January 30, 1946 – May 9, 2012
In January 1946 Tom became the third of what would be five children born into the wonderful family of Richard and Marjorie Pedler of Muskegon Heights, Michigan. Last Wednesday he became the fifth of that family to pass away, following his sister Amy and his mom and dad, as well as his brother-in-law Sid.
Life took Tom to Grand Rapids, San Diego, Las Vegas, Ann Arbor and Denver before his final earthly residence near Wiggins.
He had a naturally likable personality that seemed to fit in wherever he lived. That did not change when he found Jesus, but it did change the effect he had on others. Suffice that countless people are immeasurably better today because Tom entered their lives.
When he heard his “death sentence” last June – that he probably would not live to see June of 2012 – it was, in his words, “the happiest moment of my life.” He knew he was going to see Jesus, plus other family members and friends who had passed before him. His only concerns were for the loved ones he was leaving behind, and the possibility of unbearable pain before he died.
He needn't have worried about the latter. The wonderful care he received from the blessed hospice people in Morgan County and the many kind members of his “Wiggins Family” prevented his pains from being unbearable.
His first fear has come to pass. Those of us who loved him – in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, California, Ohio, Michigan and elsewhere – do miss him dearly. But we know that it was his time, and that he's in a better place.
Tom, your life and your death were an inspiration. We will always love you!
What a lovely rememberance.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I know I want to see those who have gone before. But, I wonder if I will so lovingly look at it when I know it is near?
I was with Mom when she passed. I was holding her hand and talking to her . . . somehow, I knew it was happening. I lovingly told her to tell everyone she would be seeing that I loved and missed them . . . both human and fur. Doing that made it easier on me letting her go.
I have had friends, no acquaintances, who ask how I could do that . . be with her then. I said that since she was there to bring me into the world, that was the best I could do for her, be with her when she left.
When my brother got to the hospital, I felt so sotty for him because he didn't make it there in time to close with her.
By the way, have I told you how much I like the background on your blog . . . it is so fresh and clean looking.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I like the blog people, but after awhile their backgrounds die off...whoever makes them takes them down, so I have to go off and find another! That just happened to the ByHook blog! But they always have something I like!
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks - it was written by his minister in Wiggins, CO after the family (mainly his brother) gave him some information. The people in his town took good care of him and watched out for him. So sad that there was no family around, and the service was so quick I didn't even know about it until the evening before, so did not have time to get there. Again - he knows - and he knows he was loved, so that is all that counts now.
DeleteWow, he does sound like an inspiration! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful remembrance and wonderful photos!
ReplyDelete