Stories of Character

A Great Kindness

Dr. Hank was a great father and a kind and gentle man. Even in the last days before his passing there’s an anecdote I’d like to share about his wonderful heart. He was bed-bound and not saying much at all. I was caring for him that day, and he mentioned that he would really love some egg salad. I was flooded with a spark of joy because he barely ever requested food at that time. We were constantly negotiating with him to try and eat. But this time he actually initiated the request for food himself. I expressed my delight, and he said, “well, my friend wanted me to try it so badly, so I want to eat some so that I can tell him how good it is”. I thought that was such a sweet gesture because it showed how authentic he was, and at the same time it showed how much he cared for everyone around him, even while he was struggling.

I’m in!

During the last days of his life, the support from the community was incredible. Many neighbors and friends visited his house in Columbiana, Ohio. Mom, Aaron, and I were constantly loading the refrigerator with gifts of food. For weeks, we needn’t cook a meal. Even our local restaurant donated a massive meal. They called us and asked us to order whatever we wanted. We were so blessed with love from the community.

Friends were in a perpetual state of coming and going from our home. It was such a beautiful experience, despite the circumstances. One of Dad’s long-time friends sat down with me and told me what he liked about him. He said that anytime he asked Hank if he wanted to do something, he always said “I’m in”. No hesitation. Just pure desire to always be doing something. Pure motivation to be there for his friends. A true man of action.

Let’s Rally!

One friend recalled the days they spent in France with my parents. They had planned to climb the stairs of the Palace of the Pope, but his friend was feeling sluggish. Hank said, “nope, let’s go, you’re going to do this.” He didn’t let anyone off the hook. And they came out of it better for it.

Friendship

Mom has a table full up with cards of sympathy for Dad.

One of them is particularly special… from the daughter of one of Dad’s friends. She said her dad had to write an emergency contact for when they were on a whitewater rafting trip. He wrote down his contact saying “my best friend Hank”. He knew Dad would really show up if he ever needed him. Dad always showed up.