December 11, 2009

“Why is it that you grow such a large garden?”

“Because I have some really good neighbors.” 

Some people help out and others live a life helping.  A lifetime of service was written across Uncle Roger’s heart.  The joys of service were emblazoned in his loving smile.  Gentle words and kind deeds were his standard.  Family and faith were his motivation.  Hard work and humble service were the result.  His answer to why he grew a large garden speaks volumes. 

Last Saturday was snowy and picturesque.  The setting was perfect to remember a life well-lived.  Few lives have been lived better.  To me, he was a great uncle, my father’s uncle.  My dad and Uncle Roger were ten years apart.  As his tribute, Dad remembered Uncle Roger as a matchless influence.  Apart from my paternal grandparents, no one had a more profound impact on his young life than did Roger Waddell.  Looking back, Dad could not have made a wiser choice for a mentor.  Uncle Roger, in turn, could not have been a better exemplar.

All who knew him loved him.  What was it about him?  Kindness?  Devotion?  Quiet service?  His deep and abiding faith?  True charity?  Humility?  If ever someone qualified for an enthusiastic “all of the above” answer, it was Uncle Roger.  One tribute last Saturday described him as the embodiment of the beatitudes, those spiritual and moral qualities and blessings enumerated by Jesus and recorded by Matthew.  Meek.  Merciful.  Pure in heart.  Peacemaker.  Once again, Uncle Roger is an “all of the above” answer.

He was also born and raised a Tar Heel.  The oft-quoted stanza reads:

            “Here’s to the land of the Long Leaf Pine.

            The summer land where the sun doth shine.

            Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great,

            Here’s to North Carolina, the good old Tar Heel State.”

Uncle Roger grew great there.  He continued his greatness wherever he lived.  Historical legend recounts that General Robert E. Lee recognized his soldiers from North Carolina as sticking to their bloody work as if they had tar on their heels.  For them, he prayed, “God bless the Tar Heel boys.”  

God bless Uncle Roger.  In keeping with the great Tar Heel tradition, he was immovable in his life’s work of love and service.

Craig Halsey

They Said It

December 11, 2009