The Perfect Aggie

Cousin Chuck, a cousin-in-law, knew he was a stereotype, and loved it.  His car plates:  AG EX CC.  Her car plates:  AG NAG.  As he grew old, the swagger never left, the confidence and enthusiasm for life was always there.  As an old man, Chuck seemed to be the only one in the world who could swagger in a power chair!

A military pilot, he loved to fly.  Of course, when the opportunity arose, he'd plan and schedule a plane rental, just to "buzz" the family reunion.  At first glance, he might appear a little "over the top" but it wasn't ever really arrogance, just a sheer love of life.  He loved travel, he loved animals, he loved children and grandchildren.  I never knew exactly what Chuck did for a living, because he kept it separate from family life.  Probably bought and sold things, maybe real estate, but the only face he showed his family was fun, kind, and considerate.

When he was dying, he gave instructions to his sons:  cremate the body, then divide my ashes between my favorite high point at Four Corners, and Kyle Field.  The first one was easy.  For the second, the sons asked permission to scatter his ashes on Kyle Field.  Permission, of course, was denied.  (Chuck would never have asked.)  So, the sons went on the field anyway, just like he said.  You can't un-scatter ashes, you know.

There were tough times, but basically Chuck lived out a straight line.  He loved his mother, adored his grandchildren, had a personally satisfying faith, and ended well.  He never pretended to be a saint, but I cannot imagine that Chuck ever did anyone harm;  he brightened the lives of hundreds.

Saintly?  No.  But did he make Jesus smile?  Oh, I do think so!  He lived well.  Never hurting, never slow to help, a bringer of smiles and good cheer, a carrier of burdens for others, I think he made Jesus smile.  Jesus undoubtedly greeted him, saying:  "Well, not exactly a role model, Chuck, but you sure made me smile!"

Maybe we all need a generous helping of that.  The world certainly needs it every day.  And we love the one who is the "go-to guy" for acceptance and good cheer, don't we?   Makes me wonder:  maybe that IS just the role model Jesus wants.  Not the only one, but an important one.

Thanks, Chuck.