Day is Done, Gone the Sun

                                        Day is done, gone the sun
                                        From the lake, from the hills,from the sky,


The sky could not have been bluer, nor the day brighter as the military men greeted the family who came to pay last respects to our Uncle Carl, a friend to many he had worked with in younger days. Glimpsing the flag at half-mast at the post office, we knew he was loved in this community of 350 where neighbors became family to him.

The gentle wind seemed to blow away our cares momentarily and remind us that this grave was not the end. This cemetery where one sister, Laura, is buried is not far from Dixie Carter either.

I recall his healthier days when we would walk this path and he would quote words he had memorized many years ago:
   Remember friends as you pass by,
   As you are now,so once was I.
   As low as I, you once must be,
   Prepare yourself and follow me.

The clear tone of the bugle brought memories of his father, Forrest Haerr, a Spanish American war veteran who served well and set a precedent for him in WWII and other family members later to serve in America proudly as a career.He was proud of this.

Moving to a health care was a huge step for him as life became more difficult and his frail body weaker. His words were,"I've gone as far as I can go."Praising him for this wisdom, he became more positive in adjusting. He soon was so content that he never questioned any needs.

In recent weeks he wanted  a steak and baked potato and I brought it to him. He saw the cheese cake, and wanted it first and we decided, "Why not?" We partied.

Uncle Carl lived frugally and simply. He saved everything and maybe that is where some of us who are pack-rats inherited this Haerr trait.But in recent months, I talked to him about sharing his things. He was beginning to realize that life is more than possessions, and that there is joy in sharing.The two largest items in his home were the large looms. It did not take much convincing that the Carroll County Museum would be a good home. So with more than six men, they were dismantled, put back together and moved. Hundreds of school children will see them working again. His creative touch produced lovely scarves he wove and are now on display.

However, a light stroke or TIA on September twenty-ninth made swallowing food or meds difficult as well as speaking. He had already made his arrangements at Dilday-Carter Funeral Home in Huntingdon, TN.(You may still sign his guest register on-line.) If you are searching for a newspaper obituary, there is none, per his wish.

Services were held on Tuesday, October 16th with his Avalon Hospice chaplain, Dewayne Thomas speaking. He had become his pastor and their friendship brought him to peace with God. More than the physical care that they gave, Avalon became like a new family. If you care to show your appreciation, donations may be sent to Avalon Hospice 2023Greystone Square Jackson, TN 38305 in memory of Carl Haerr.
On this still fall day, the melody of the bugle sounded throughout the countryside in its melancholy strain that brought peace and rest. Its echoes linger in our hearts as we left and we headed back to his house to the luncheon shared by the girls of the Carroll  Bank and the Missippi Mud Cake brought by the mayor. We gathered at his kitchen table, joined hands and spoke sentence prayers to the One who doeth all things well and remembered Uncle Carl.

                                       All is well, safely rest,
                                       God is nigh.