A Service Larry Would Have Loved...

I have had many conversation over the years with Larry regarding church. Not so much about theology, but methodology. His "Brethren" background had etched in him the way a church service should be. He liked a Pastor that preached the Word and didn't take forever to do it. He liked to sing the great hymns of the faith and not the "fluffy" praise choruses that are dominant in worship services today. He liked a church with pews. He liked a church that had a cross in the sanctuary. He liked to hear a good testimony. He liked his family in church with him. He liked to serve the less fortunate around him. He liked a good pot-luck.

So it was no surprise that the Memorial Service that took place yesterday (Saturday April 17th) was pretty much one that Larry would have been pleased with.

Family and many friends gathered at 1:00 at Evergreen Community Church, in Oregon City. A small church in the country that was once where Sherry's family attended. It was held there since the church Larry and Sherry attend (Mt. View Baptist Temple) doubles as a Seventh Day Adventist church. We didn't feel we could kick the SDA's out on a Saturday!

The church was adorned with mementos and remembrances of Larry. Photos of beautiful flowers, mountains, waterfalls and spiders, picture frames that held photos of his dear Sherry, the dogs, the grand kids. A black and white photo of he and his 4 brothers in there younger days. There was NASCAR things and, of course, military medals and "Old Glory" that Sherry was presented with at Friday's graveside ceremony. There was also a sketch of Larry that was actually carved into a small white paper sack. Light from a candle inside the flame-proof sack glowed through the carving. Amazing artwork done by a friend of Sherry's sister, Cathy. This sack will be placed around a track one evening in a few weeks at a Relay For Life with hundreds of others - memorializing victims of this terrible disease.

As you entered the sanctuary you saw the simplicity of this church - complete with pews and a big cross. Up front on the communion table were two photos of Larry alongside a beautiful floral arrangement sent to Sherry by the Cameron nieces and nephews, and a large table top atrium with beautiful plants sent to Sherry by Larry's surviving brothers in Michigan. Larry told his brothers that when he passed away they were not to go through the fuss of trying to get out to Oregon for the services. He would prefer they gather at a local bar and have a beer and and share memories and just be together.

The service started at 1:00. All of the family entered from the side and took our place in the first three rows. Grandpa would have gotten a kick out of Melody, Greg and all the grand kids trying to squeeze into the first pew!! It was pretty comical. The eventually all got settled. I could hear snickers and giggles from them. Grandpa would have laughed right along with them. We were all welcomed by Larry's Pastor, Gil Hanson Jr and he read the 23rd Psalm and then prayed.

Sherry selected some of Larry's favorite hymns for the congregation to sing together. I was honored to lead the singing portion of the service. We sang "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" - an upbeat hymn about the believers entrance into heaven at the end of life.

Larry's sister-in-law, Cathy, then gave a testimony. She shared several stories of her life with Larry. The mischievousness, pranks and games Larry played on her from the time she was very young until recent months. She talked about how precious Larry was to her and how she will always look at Larry as a "brother".

After another hymn, Ivory Palaces, one of Larry's contractor friends spoke. The McBee family has known and worked with Larry for years. One of the sons, Steve, shared about the high respect he and his family had for Larry. He talked about how Larry was so very honorable in how he conducted business. Steve talked about when times were tough Larry and the McBee's would look out for each other and give each other jobs. That was Larry - a very respected businessman - not only from fellow contractors - but clients alike.

We then sang "The Old Rugged Cross" - a song about the cross where Jesus died, for Larry, for you and for me. It was obviously a favorite of the congregation just based on how loud they sang it!

The next testimony was from a long time family friend, Caroline Cantrell. Caroline and her husband Jim met Larry and Sherry some 30 years ago. They met when attending a support group for parents of children struggling with the law. Caroline told us how they really didn't learn much from the counselor (young, single, no kids telling them how to raise theirs), but they had so much to talk about and learn from each other when they would go out for a drink after the meeting. From that a very strong bond was formed. She shared a few stories and talked about some of the political "discussions" they would have with Larry. Caroline talked about the love Larry had for Sherry, his love for flowers, how Larry was a "giver". She talked about how she knew of Larry's faith because he lived it. Jim and Caroline each had the opportunity to speak with Larry last Friday night before he passed away. By the way, the two sons have made huge strides in turning their lives around due, much in part, to the unconditional love of their parents.

The hymns "God Will Take Care of You" and "It Is No Secret" were sung. Again, two of Larry's favorites.

Pastor Gil Hansen Sr. then spoke and shared from Gods Word. He talked about salvation - something that Larry wanted and wants for all of his family and friends. He talked about the cross. He talked about heaven and how Larry is now in the presence of the Lord - not suffering, not hurting. He challenged all of us to carry on Larry's legacy by reaching out to Sherry and helping her - particularly in the next few months as she transitions to being without Larry. Pastor closed with prayer.

So there it was, a service that was in a church, we sang hymns, there was a big cross, the Pastor preached the Word, there were testimonies and pews, and his family was present. And it was all topped off with refreshments!

After the service everyone gathered downstairs to enjoy refreshments provided by Charlene and her extended family, and church family. The reception went on for quite some time as old friends got reacquainted, family that hadn't seen each other for years getting caught up on the latest. It was a great end to an emotional service.

We are so grateful for all of those that attended as well as the countless number of you who were not able to attend but held us in your thoughts and prayers.

The plan for Sunday is to gather one more time before we all get back to life and move forward. We are getting together at Sherry's to watch a NASCAR race!! That is what Larry did every Sunday of race season. We thought it only appropriate to do this as a family - one more opportunity to honor this husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend that we already miss so incredibly much.

We will have at least one more blog entry in the coming days just to wrap things up. We thank you for taking the time each day or week to read the latest news on Larry's situation. We have received so many kind and encouraging words, lit candles, prayers and comments from so many people that it has made this long and difficult journey a little easier to bear. We thank you for being in Larry's life - not only while he was sick, but even before. Should we never have a chance to meet and thank you personnally, please know we are a stronger family becasue of your love for Larry. And Sherry sleeps a little easier at night knowing her mate of 47 years is in the arms of his Savior and probably redoing the plumbing on his heavenly mansion.

Peace...