NIEL CHASE EULOGY

EULOGY

Niel Chase
December 1, 1994


We are honored to be asked to share with you and our family today some prose about the life of Niel Chase.

Niel and Esther have, in the past, encouraged us by writing letters of thank you and appreciation when we have shared at family gatherings, including birthdays, reunions, funerals and visits.

This past weekend, Dad shared with me his fond memories of the family gatherings of the sisters and the brothers-in-law. Niel’s sense of humor and zest for life would rise like cream to the top and a good time would be had by all.

This summer, we visited Niel, Esther, Janell and Carlton at their home in Albuquerque. We had a good visit sharing in their memories and current happenings of their lives as well as ours.

It is looking back on that day that we have chosen two areas of Niel’s life that we would like to offer some lines of prose, realizing that we see life as through a mirror, hazily reflecting our Creator’s glory in part (1 Cor. 15:38-49 and 1 Cor. 13:12).

THE HARDWARE STORE

Here he comes, a young man with a heavy load of care.
Hoping with his heart he will find help there.

He enters the wide doors carrying the faulty culprit,
That caused anger, animosity and domestic upset.

He approaches the counter with humility and trepidation,
Thus, once again, acknowledging need for restoration.

He beholds his counselor and mentor of daily life,
Saying, “Hi, John, how’s the wife?”

Where is this story in view?
At church, with pastor and pew?
A doctor’s office, nurse and pills?
No, it’s the hardware store of Esther and Niel’s.

Different times, places and parts,
The same serving and carrying hearts.

John and we alike come to the store,
Expecting parts and a lot more.

Included in the purchase price,
Guaranteed sure-to-work advice.

Humanity and their daily crisis,
Customers complaining, higher prices.

Add the “thank yous" for easing our chore,
The smiles and sighs of plumbing restore.
Plus satisfied employees and more,
It’s Niel’s and Esther’s hardware store.

ONLY CHILD

A child is born to new parents.
They try on “Mom” and “Dad”,
Pin on diapers and pine for sleep not had.

Years pass, baby’s clothes are put father back to stay.
It is an only child, no brother or sister here to play,
Yet, two cats, one horse, and ever present dog of stray.

Six, seven, eight and nine,
Dad becomes a brother and he doesn’t mind.
Mom is left holding the grown-up line.

Parents’ hopes and dreams surround their only teen.
Stress and strained relations,
Then come graduation and congratulations.

Coming home with spouse-to-be,
Mom lets go of apron strings at last.
Dad wonders how the years went so fast.

Dad and Mom watch from afar,
As the heir of their heart,
Experiences life’s middle part.

Now retired, and parents need some care.
There is only me to be,
Father, brother, sister, mother.
For I am an only child, there is no other.

So, God, help me to remember your only child.
It was Jesus, given up for me,
So I will be one of the many “only children” for eternity.