Dad threatened to buy me army boots once. We didn't have much money and I wore my shoes out so fast. He had a big job, providing for 5 growing kids on a preacher's salary.
One time he was filling out taxes and was putting down our names. He asked me what my middle name was. He wasn't given to details. (I got that trait).
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Another Life Affected
Comments from my friend Pam Thrasher.
I can't tell you what he meant in my life, but I think you know. I base my entire spiritual heritage on what I learned from him in my growing up years. God truly led your family to Westside and gave us all something most people never experience in their entire life.
I am just so grateful to have had your dad be such an important part of my life. I lost my Bible while on a mission trip to
So Many Memories
I will forever be grateful for having spent time with Dad this past February. He was doing remarkably well during this time and Sharon, Elaine and I enjoyed so much talking with him and seeing him feeling better. We had a great time at Fish & Chicks and he loved those hush puppies and fried pickles! It was such a pleasure to see him enjoying life again. It's a final memory I will always cherish!Other memories I have run deep and date way back. I want to share a few:
The Scholar
What I remember most about Dad was seeing him sitting in his recliner reading, night after night, hour after hour, with a pencil in his hand, circling and underscoring the important words and phrases and writing illegible comments on the side. This made such an impact on me and birthed my own desire for study. To this day, it is impossible for me to read a book without a pencil in hand, circling, underscoring, and writing illegible comments on the side....
Kids for Christ
Friday nights were the most fun as an adolescent. Dad had started "Kids for Christ" and about 70 kids would pile into the church bus for a night of skating at the skating rink. How proud I was to see my Dad out there in the middle skating with all the kids. Forwards, backwards, and smooth turn arounds, looking so confident! I wanted to be just like him and have to say I haven't lost my moves!
Cleaning the Church
There were no spend-the-night parties for me on the weekends; I had to get up on Saturday mornings with my two sisters Sharon and Kinsey and clean the church. My job was to straighten the hymnals, dust the piano & organ, vacuum betwen the pews, wipe down the chalkboards, and clean the toilets. Sharon and Kinsey got to do things like buff and mop the floors. We got into a lot of mop fights and Dad would have to come out of his study to break things up. As we got older, I was left to clean the church on my own and earned $25 each Saturday. It was quiet and there were no sisters to fight with. But I remember loud noises coming out of Dad's office, and it was him praying out loud as he paced the floors in his office. What an impression that left on me!
Picking Muscadines
I don't remember where we went...some woody area some distance away from home. It wasn't blackberries....they were round grape like things that had a sour taste and we Dad and I picked them by the bucket fulls. Not sure who ate them when all was said and done....
The Messenger
It all started when I was about 12 years old. I would ride my bike down the street to some hole in the wall stip mall area and help Dad out scrubbing plates until late in the evening. Printing plates that is. My arms were tired and my clotes were sopped with black ink and water. At the end of the night, Dad would throw my bike in the back of his truck and we would drive home. It felt good to work so hard.
Once printed, Kinsey, Harold, and I would have to hand deliver the Messenger to the homes in the area. We got paid a penny or two for each one we delivered. To make things easier, I dumped a couple of hundred in the bushes. Saved me some time and maximized my profits.
Thank God Dad started mailing the papers out after that and the message indeed got out!
The Preacher with the Big Nose
Dad would sometimes come to my christian school and preach at chapel time. Not everyone knew he was my dad. One day at lunch a kid said excitedly, "Did you see the nose on that preacher?!?" "Yes," I replied. "He is my Dad." :)
Oneonta
Before computers, email, or even word processors, I spent one summer of my high school years typing individual letters Dad wanted to get out to churches to market the messenger. I would sit for hours on end typing letter after letter. If I made a mistake, I would have to rip the whole thing out and start over. I became a pretty good typist that year....
What I Learned
- It was the Woerner work ethic that became so deeply ingrained in me from as early as I can remember. I am proud I learned not to be afraid of hard work.
- To study to show myself approved....Dad was a fine example of this. I cherish the Pulpit Commentaries I have from his years as a pastor, with all of his circles and underscores and illegible side notes. Watching my Dad has given me a thirst for knowledge and study. Just give me a pencil and a book and I will be perfectly content!
- Compassion. Dad showered this on others and it left an indelible mark on my own heart. Dad had such a unique way of connecting with others. He showed such interest in them and made them feel so special. EVERYONE loved Dad and I adored him as well. I am so proud to have been his daughter!
What I Gained
Everything. Life, hope, love...new beginnings. Dad believed in me when there wasn't much to believe in. He sent me to college more than once, paid for me to earn two graduate degrees, out of state tuition, rent, daycare, and much more. Gave me a couple of cars. Helped me buy a house. Helped me get into business. Dad gave and gave to me and inspired me to be all that I can be. He spent countless hours talking ove rth eissues of life with me and helping me sort through so many things. He was my strength, my foundaton. I love him for that! Losing him has taken my breath away. It's like the rug was pulled out from under me and I'm trying to find soem solid ground. But as many others have already expressed, I too am inspired to carry on his legacy, in honor of him, in honor of what God has done through him. I too want to live life with passion and purpose and carry out God's calling on my life with complete devotion, committment, and unwavering faith. Dad, thank you for being the man that you were. You live on inside of me! I love you!!!
Pamela
He Grunted
I was thinking today about the second to last time I was in Elberta. Paw Paw was just getting sick again. We had taken him to the doctor and as we sat in there waiting I took it upon myself to be the comic relief. I started playing with the doctors scopes and then me and mom were looking in each others ears. It was funny. I remember how tired paw paw was. He was hurting and exhausted and I just rubbed his hair and he grunted. He grunted his usual grunt he does when he is satisfied. I think it was his way of purring!
The last time I was there he was really sick. We had to call an ambulance the night before and I just wanted to help him so bad, but there was nothing I could do. That was his final ride to the hospital. I remember going to see him the next day. I took Libby and Elijah to see him and he was sitting in a chair about to eat. He yelled hey at us with all the strength he could muster. It was amazing that as bad as he felt he was still so happy to see his family. As he got settled in his bed and the nurse came to change him we left the room and me and mom and kids went down the hall.
Mom told me she would watch the kids and I could go talk to him. I knew she meant to say my goodbyes. I had rehearsed it so many times in my head what I would say. On the way back to the room I got really emotional and was really fighting to keep it under control. As I walked into the room I saw him lying there with his eyes shut and I sat beside him and held his hand and there was no response. I desperately wanted him to squeeze my hand back and let me know he knew I was there. He just laid there silently, breathing deeply. Even when he was sick he was so handsome. I was watching him breath and thinking of all that he meant to me and I started crying and I knew that I needed to make my exit. I got up and walked around the bed and rubbed his head and bent down and whispered in his ear, "I love you". And He grunted!
It was all I needed. Jesus knew what I needed and he allowed me to have one more grunt. That has got to be one of my favorite noises in all the world!
Thank you Jesus for one last grunt.
The last time I was there he was really sick. We had to call an ambulance the night before and I just wanted to help him so bad, but there was nothing I could do. That was his final ride to the hospital. I remember going to see him the next day. I took Libby and Elijah to see him and he was sitting in a chair about to eat. He yelled hey at us with all the strength he could muster. It was amazing that as bad as he felt he was still so happy to see his family. As he got settled in his bed and the nurse came to change him we left the room and me and mom and kids went down the hall.
Mom told me she would watch the kids and I could go talk to him. I knew she meant to say my goodbyes. I had rehearsed it so many times in my head what I would say. On the way back to the room I got really emotional and was really fighting to keep it under control. As I walked into the room I saw him lying there with his eyes shut and I sat beside him and held his hand and there was no response. I desperately wanted him to squeeze my hand back and let me know he knew I was there. He just laid there silently, breathing deeply. Even when he was sick he was so handsome. I was watching him breath and thinking of all that he meant to me and I started crying and I knew that I needed to make my exit. I got up and walked around the bed and rubbed his head and bent down and whispered in his ear, "I love you". And He grunted!
It was all I needed. Jesus knew what I needed and he allowed me to have one more grunt. That has got to be one of my favorite noises in all the world!
Thank you Jesus for one last grunt.
Note
I received another email today from a friend who used to work at Promise Network. I thought it was very sweet and worth passing on.
"It was so sad to see your grandfather’s obituary in the paper last week. I kept an eye on the websites because I knew someone would post something. I loved what you wrote about Mr. Woerner on the Answer site. Unfortunately, I only met him a few times during my time at PN but I know what he meant to the company and everyone who had been fortunate enough to know him. Every story I ever heard about him was about him giving and doing -- for strangers or people he barely knew. I could not even imagine the love he had for his family and the wonderful memories you will cherish always. Of course, I had to visit the blog you shared in your tribute. What a great way to let everyone get to know the man that you and his family knew. You and your family were so blessed to have him as your Paw Paw. My sympathies go out to your family and I am keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers."
"It was so sad to see your grandfather’s obituary in the paper last week. I kept an eye on the websites because I knew someone would post something. I loved what you wrote about Mr. Woerner on the Answer site. Unfortunately, I only met him a few times during my time at PN but I know what he meant to the company and everyone who had been fortunate enough to know him. Every story I ever heard about him was about him giving and doing -- for strangers or people he barely knew. I could not even imagine the love he had for his family and the wonderful memories you will cherish always. Of course, I had to visit the blog you shared in your tribute. What a great way to let everyone get to know the man that you and his family knew. You and your family were so blessed to have him as your Paw Paw. My sympathies go out to your family and I am keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers."
My Final Tribute
These were the words I spoke at the memorial service.
My memaw tells me a story of when I was a little girl. She says that they had a picture of paw paw hanging in their house and I would just stare at it. After staring at it for quite some time, I would, with great adoration in my voice say "Paw Paw".
He was my paw paw. I still feel that same adoration and awe for him today.
If you asked me who I was to Ralph Woerner, I wouldn't say "His granddaughter", because the truth is I was much more than that. No instead I would say "I am the apple of his eye". That is what paw paw called his granddaughters as we sat in his lap.
I love being the apple of his eye. His delight. Paw Paw didn't have granddaughters, he had princesses. and just as any good king would do, he trained us what royalty was all about. It is much more that pretty crowns and jewels. It is about being a leader in a world full of followers.
My paw paw was a man of passion. He was strong willed and passionate about all that he loved and the one that he loved the most, Jesus. He was so determined to get the good news of Jesus Christ out into this world and he was successful.
The first time he met my husband David, he asked him point blank, "What are you going to do with your life?". Paw Paw was a man of purpose. He lived his life to the fullest a life can be lived.
Ralph Woerner is the greatest man I have ever known. It is my honor to be a part of him.
The night before his funeral, all the cousins gathered to tell one last memory of our dear paw paw. My eight year old was in the room listening intently. As we all laughed hysterically at the wonderful memory, my child said, "Tell me more". My response: " Oh there will be more my child." Because I know that my children's children will know of the greatness of God through this man.
My paw paw is dancing with Jesus. Though for a short time I cannot see him or touch him, his legacy will go on for generations. There is no end to a man such as that.
It was his hearts desire to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He is gone but his dream is not.
As his princess I will carry on his dream. I will live a life madly in love with Jesus.
He is my paw paw and his passion runs through my blood.
And So...his story continues to be written...
My memaw tells me a story of when I was a little girl. She says that they had a picture of paw paw hanging in their house and I would just stare at it. After staring at it for quite some time, I would, with great adoration in my voice say "Paw Paw".
He was my paw paw. I still feel that same adoration and awe for him today.
If you asked me who I was to Ralph Woerner, I wouldn't say "His granddaughter", because the truth is I was much more than that. No instead I would say "I am the apple of his eye". That is what paw paw called his granddaughters as we sat in his lap.
I love being the apple of his eye. His delight. Paw Paw didn't have granddaughters, he had princesses. and just as any good king would do, he trained us what royalty was all about. It is much more that pretty crowns and jewels. It is about being a leader in a world full of followers.
My paw paw was a man of passion. He was strong willed and passionate about all that he loved and the one that he loved the most, Jesus. He was so determined to get the good news of Jesus Christ out into this world and he was successful.
The first time he met my husband David, he asked him point blank, "What are you going to do with your life?". Paw Paw was a man of purpose. He lived his life to the fullest a life can be lived.
Ralph Woerner is the greatest man I have ever known. It is my honor to be a part of him.
The night before his funeral, all the cousins gathered to tell one last memory of our dear paw paw. My eight year old was in the room listening intently. As we all laughed hysterically at the wonderful memory, my child said, "Tell me more". My response: " Oh there will be more my child." Because I know that my children's children will know of the greatness of God through this man.
My paw paw is dancing with Jesus. Though for a short time I cannot see him or touch him, his legacy will go on for generations. There is no end to a man such as that.
It was his hearts desire to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He is gone but his dream is not.
As his princess I will carry on his dream. I will live a life madly in love with Jesus.
He is my paw paw and his passion runs through my blood.
And So...his story continues to be written...
In Memory...
This was originally posted by Jon Mitchell as a tribute to Ralph Woerner on www.answermagazine.com.
There are so many words I could use to describe Ralph Woerner. He was passionate, giving, loving, driven, intelligent, motivating, an entrepreneur, a voracious reader, a skilled writer and so much more. To his family...to me...he was Paw Paw. He taught me how to work hard, play hard, love hard, and best of all, how to be an intentional follower of Jesus Christ. He taught me that life is not about me. To all of us who continue to work on Answer Magazine, which he founded in the early 70's, he has been a provider.
Ralph founded this company because he loved people, and could not bear the thought of one soul perishing in eternity without first having the opportunity to discover the greatest gift of all time...the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The best way for you to know my Paw Paw and our founder is to read the words of his family. You can visit ralphwoerner.blogspot.com and read the powerful words from those he leaves behind. Those who are determined to carry on his legacy of advancing God's kingdom with more determination than ever before. We will never know this side of Heaven the deep impact he has made on lives all over the world through his generosity, his writings, and his preaching. But I believe he now knows what an impact he made, because when he entered the arms of Jesus, he heard "Well done Ralph...well done!"
He lives on because, as you may know, his hand penned the passions of his life. Even today, the articles he wrote in Answer Magazine continue to be spread across this nation. Our most requested articles are none other than Ralph's. I have heard many times from readers how much of an impact his articles had on their lives.
He modeled a giving life. Wow, did he ever do that! I’m smiling now as I think about the fullness of life he embodied. He gave life to his family, to his churches, and to his many readers through his numerous articles. He gave life through his spoken words, his touch, his looks, his laughter, and his writing.
So, it is with great honor, respect, humility and strength that we pick up the mantle that he has left. We will carry it further, faster, more intensely, more passionately, more lovingly and with more unity than those before us. Why? Because that is what he would have wanted…every previous generation desires for the next generation to go deeper. How will we be able to do this? Because we have each other, and we have the One who binds us together with cords that cannot be broken. Through his death, we find life.
There are so many words I could use to describe Ralph Woerner. He was passionate, giving, loving, driven, intelligent, motivating, an entrepreneur, a voracious reader, a skilled writer and so much more. To his family...to me...he was Paw Paw. He taught me how to work hard, play hard, love hard, and best of all, how to be an intentional follower of Jesus Christ. He taught me that life is not about me. To all of us who continue to work on Answer Magazine, which he founded in the early 70's, he has been a provider.
Ralph founded this company because he loved people, and could not bear the thought of one soul perishing in eternity without first having the opportunity to discover the greatest gift of all time...the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The best way for you to know my Paw Paw and our founder is to read the words of his family. You can visit ralphwoerner.blogspot.com and read the powerful words from those he leaves behind. Those who are determined to carry on his legacy of advancing God's kingdom with more determination than ever before. We will never know this side of Heaven the deep impact he has made on lives all over the world through his generosity, his writings, and his preaching. But I believe he now knows what an impact he made, because when he entered the arms of Jesus, he heard "Well done Ralph...well done!"
He lives on because, as you may know, his hand penned the passions of his life. Even today, the articles he wrote in Answer Magazine continue to be spread across this nation. Our most requested articles are none other than Ralph's. I have heard many times from readers how much of an impact his articles had on their lives.
He modeled a giving life. Wow, did he ever do that! I’m smiling now as I think about the fullness of life he embodied. He gave life to his family, to his churches, and to his many readers through his numerous articles. He gave life through his spoken words, his touch, his looks, his laughter, and his writing.
So, it is with great honor, respect, humility and strength that we pick up the mantle that he has left. We will carry it further, faster, more intensely, more passionately, more lovingly and with more unity than those before us. Why? Because that is what he would have wanted…every previous generation desires for the next generation to go deeper. How will we be able to do this? Because we have each other, and we have the One who binds us together with cords that cannot be broken. Through his death, we find life.
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