ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

It’s been almost a year since we celebrated Paul’s life here on earth. It was a day much like today, with the sun shining brightly. The church fellowship hall was filled with many of his paintings for people to enjoy as they visited and shared memories of this amazing man. When someone dies, we are often surprised by all the stories that emerge. We laugh at some of the funny things he did and the many lives he touched. As I think of him every day, there are also the struggles that we faced- the hardships we endured – the losses and failures. Through each of them, we both would pray and ask for God’s guidance. It has been over a year since his passing, but not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. Several years ago, he painted the painting I’m posting today. This was the heart of the man. His love for Jesus was always evident, even on the days when pain overtook him. I wrote the following words to him on a Valentine’s Day, many years ago.

The touch of your hand, the power behind the hugs you give,

The joy I receive when I see you smile and know you’ have peace,

The feeling I get when you come home from a trip away from home,

The tears I shed when we disagree or misunderstand each other,

The way my heart hurts when you hurt,

The laughter we’ve shared for so many years,

Your silly jokes, your funny little dance, the way your humor still makes me laugh and laugh,

The feeling I get when I look into your eyes,

The tenderness of your kisses,

The security I feel when locked in your embrace,

The knowledge I have that we will see each other again in eternity,

The satisfaction I experience knowing that we have had a wonderful life together even in the most difficult of times,

The leader you’ve become through your teaching, sharing and caring for those you lead.

The enthusiasm you give to everything you do,

Your love for God – the Father, Son and Holy Ghost,

Your appreciation and interest in preserving the beauty of this world through your art,

Your talent, your zeal, your unselfishness, your faith,

These are just a few of the reasons I love you.

Thank you and thank God for allowing me to grow old with you.

Even though time stopped for a moment when Paul died, I knew his suffering had come to an end. He would be remembered for many reasons. The effect he had on others will continue. The result of his strong faith lives on through those he touched. I miss him, yes. I will treasure every moment we shared. I look forward, as he would’ve wanted – to the day when we will be reunited. He was the love of my life.