Clarinda A's Baseball

From the desk of Mrs. E., 

The last time I wrote was two and a half years ago when Merl had been hospitalized almost a month for another surgery after damage had been caused by his chemo/radiation therapy. We feel the time we had between that episode in his life till his death June 11th was bonus time.

For some reason, the good Lord saw fit to give him these extra years and months and they were important to us as a family and those of you who knew him well. For the family it gave Merl an opportunity to spend time with each of our children and grandchildren individually, especially these last two months. For others, it gave him time to let them know they mattered in his life. That is a luxury not many people have as their lives come to a close.

We are so grateful that we were able to keep him at home the entire time - our faith continued to grow and the importance of a close family and friends was even more evident than before.

To our baseball family and friends - you have been incredible in the support & love you have shown during his illness and passing - we are so humbled by the number of you who were able to be at visitation and the "celebration of life" service - and for those of you unable to attend, it was truly that, a celebration. Following the church service we went to the ball field for a cookout and fellowship - felt it was the fitting place for his life's "ninth inning" to end.

Thanks again for all the support & love sent our way - may God bless each of you.