Folkert Saaijenga

Thank you to all the people who were so much a part of Dad’s life: the loyal life-long friend from Seward who spent so many hours with Dad; the Baileyville lady who called often and gave him advice about cooking (She too has gone to join her spouse in eternity now.); the teen-age neighbor who took the time to chat with an old man about everything from TV movies to yesteryear farming; the neighbors who kept Dad plowed out and rescued him when he got his lawn mower stuck; the kind neighbor who put on hold his own anniversary plans and stayed with Dad until the ambulance crew arrived; the ambulance crew who always combine compassion with professional ability;

The Girl Scouts, Brownies, and their understanding leader who came to visit Dad and brought him goodies; the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and their leaders who came to carol; the carolers from several churches who remembered Dad (He was so proud that you thought of him!); the German Valley friend who cut out “Letters To the Editor” from a Rockford paper for Dad; another long-time German Valley friend who used to call him early on his birthday to extend her greetings and friendship; Mr. And Mrs. Santa Clause from rural Freeport who were devoted and constant friends;

The caring people from Hospice who realized that, even tho Mom was dying at the time, Dad needed to feel that somebody considered him important too; those kind, loving CONTACT workers who called him every morning for many months and let him ramble on about his life and memories (Dad depended on you for so many things - he even called you when the apartment above him had a water leak!); the nephews and nieces who were always there to help him with everything from moving and clearing out the family home to cleaning up “Uncle Folkert’s house”. (You brought him flowers and goodies and, best of all, your children to brighten his day);

The grandkids who spent so much time with him and sent lots of letters so he didn’t feel forgotten; the gentleman who faithfully brought the church tapes (This guy had already earned his halo when Mom was still with us.); the kind people at Willow Park Apartments who helped him adjust to his new home; the very special sister and brother-in-law who were always there when he needed them and went way beyond what could be expected of them; all those people who sent him Christmas cards (They were some of Dad’s last joys and he kept count of the cards daily.);

And the list could go on and on with all the super people in this area. Truly God’s love is evident in you all!

Thank you.