I found myself “saying” this via a text message to three sisters regarding my middle daughter’s early admission to my alma mater – a feat I would likely not accomplish if reapplying today in this fiercely competitive environment. As per usual, a broadcast text seemed more efficient than calling each of them. And this news, although happy, had no place on social media as far as I was concerned.
Nevertheless my often circuitous thought processes led me to reflect upon two people who have left this world recently who I have had the privilege of knowing. I reread words written about each of them while still alive as well as at their funerals, and it seemed apparent that they too were “whispering from the rooftops” – quietly leading their lives without “knowing or caring who’s counting or watching or keeping score.”
Oddly these sweet souls, neither of which I knew terribly well, are the ones I would choose to emulate, despite my consistently falling short on any given day. Here are some of the words used to describe both Grace Varner and Orville (Orv) Ruid: selfless, patient, giving, a pillar of strength, living fully with tolerance and trust. But the strongest “tie” that binds them altogether? Their possession of “abiding humility.”
How simple…and lovely.
My first cousin said of Grace, the former caretaker of the Cheat Mountain Club located in WV, that she was the most Christ-like person he has known. A current owner of the lodge expanded that sentiment by writing while she was still alive that although not particularly “religious,” Grace knows “her savior and is likely closer to God than you or I or the stars above.” A previous owner wrote that “she spent her life making our lives better.” It was posted on CMC’s Facebook page that Grace’s “contribution to our joy was immeasurable.”
I can think of no other lofty “goal” in life than to contribute to another’s joy.
Grace was nothing short of a fountain of joy and of, well, grace. Which reminds me of what Frederick Buechner offered when distilling everything he had been trying to communicate as author and preacher: “Listen to your life. See it for all the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.”
Grace’s life was grace and so was Orv’s. I was able to attend his funeral and as is often the case, learned more about him than I ever did while he was alive. Just as Grace had, he lived with a tirelessly giving spirit and quiet humility, not seeking the limelight in any way, shape or form. Probably much of what he did for others, we will never know about.
His sons and son-in-law gave us a beautiful window, however, into what Orv had “done” for them, including the most valuable lesson on how to live a healthy, productive and long life I have ever heard. Upon being asked how to do so at his 90th birthday he gave an answer in keeping with the instruction he gave to his children early on in life – that success is measured not by how much money you make, but rather by how happy you are. Orv summed up the life lesson like this: “Go out and make … MEMORIES,” he said. I love that – enough to shout it from the rooftops actually.
As I drove home after the service, my eyes welled with tears, and I whispered “thank you” to Orv for teaching me how to live, and I mean really live.
Thank you too, Grace.
And thanks be to God from whom all blessings – and unmerited grace – flow.
