Many of you that read this blog have probably noticed that it’s usually pretty easy to decypher which posts are written by myself and which ones are written by Jo. Mine are usually very factual, almost newspaper story in flavor. However, Jo is usually very eloquent in including thoughts and feelings much better than I am. I would have to say that this will probably be a small exception (so just be forewarned that it is actually Chris doing the writing this time).
Today we said our final goodbyes to a wonderful man that had quickly become such a large part of our lives. Pastor Al Somers is celebrating life in heaven this week. Six years ago when we moved to the Avon area, we accepted an invitation to visit Checkrow Church. We had been commuting back to Canton for church to try and ease Robert’s transition (as with the twins joining us earlier that year, and hence trading in a vehicle, the poor little guy was about over the edge!). As we got in the van and left Checkrow that very first morning, Robert asked “Do they do that every day? When are they doing it again? Can we come back tomorrow?” We were thrilled to say the least. The folks that we did already know there were wonderful and those we managed to meet that first morning were fabulous as well. I don’t recall the exact message that morning, but do remember it was quite impressive.
It was shortly after that, we had a call and then a visit from “Pastor Al”. He stopped over for the evening, had some pie and shared some wonderful information about the church. Robert (to Jody’s horror) gave a COMPLETE tour of the house including closets etc. Al tagged along for the ride and just in over-hearing the conversation, you would have thought he was getting a personal guided tour of the Whitehouse. He was so interested in every little detail that Robert had to share and show him.
We very quickly fell in love with Checkrow (and Pastor Al). There was something different about Checkrow. It was a great group of caring people and a place of great teaching about what the Bible was all about. It was also a place of great fun through Shot and Shell club, ATV Rides, Spud Shoots, Chili cookoffs (and the list could go on for a long time!) Later came Awana that gave the kids (and often Jo and I) the opportunity to get to spend time with the great people and Al more. I only wish I could describe the genuine caring that Al felt for all of God’s people. Just a wonderful example for us all.
A few years ago, Jody started working as the secretary at the church. It was at that point that the family really started to get tied into Al and his family. Jo of course spent time each week with Al getting ready for the service on Sunday and handling many other items through the week. Even beyond that, the kids (when not in school) would often go down to spend time with Jo (and Al of course). Everything from copying feet on the copy machine to scaring each other through the church. It was great to sit back and hear the stories of the antics from the day. When Robert went through his issues with stomach trouble and found himself in the hospital, Al was quick to visit, and bring the gift of toy cars. Robert was so impressed (as were we all). When Jo and I had to make the early morning trip to the hospital to take care of things with Speedo, I’ll never forget sitting in that waiting room so quiet and alone as we were the only ones there that early. I was sitting there just holding Jody, and glanced up to see that wonderful man walking across the hospital lobby. We both were so touched. He stuck around long enough to sit with me so I wasn’t alone while Jo was in surgery, and then he ducked back out again. I’m not sure if he ever really knew how much that meant to me.
A few weeks ago when Al became ill and we were really afraid that it was the beginning of the end, we told the kids we were going to the hospital to see Al. Robert promptly asked for a gift bag and gathered some cars to send to Al. He even made sure one of them was a Mustang as he knew it was Al’s favorite.
Now, we make the adjustment to life without Al here. Oh, he’ll always be there in our memories and in our hearts, but it won’t be until heaven that we get to see him again. There are so many lives both local and around the globe that he touched and had such an impact on. Today’s service was a wonderful celebration of the life of the man we all loved so much. We’ll all adjust (each in our own way) and enjoy the fact that he is actually having a fabulous time on those streets of gold. However, there is no question about it that Al Somers will be missed. He was a pastor, friend and mentor to so many.
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