Their are times in our lives when we have few opportunities to get to know people, due to distance and work requirements. But, often, you learn much about the real person from the comments made at their funeral. Such is the case of our daughter's father-in-law, Sheldon Kaiser.
Sure, we met before the wedding and for a few minutes at the reception, but due to his business at home and in Natchez, MS, trips to our home or to visit his son, daughter-in-law and twins at their home in Memphis, TN, didn't happen. To visit with all four of them required a trip to Natchez, MS.
Here's what I learned about Sheldon Kaiser at the funeral that made me wish we could have visited many more times. It was said of Sheldon that the majority of people that were members of their church was due to Sheldon inviting them personally. Their minister even mentioned that on one trip with Sheldon to meet a new family, they went to the door, knocked and found out they were at the wrong house! Not a problem for Sheldon, he invited them to church, said goodbye and went to the original house they had planned to visit. They tells me much about a quiet, hard working man who loved God and the church.
Sheldon was a lifetime resident of Natchez, MS. Thus, he knew just about everyone in town. When help was needed, if Sheldon knew about it, he was the one to provide the assistance. I was told that after Hurricane Katrina, he donated two, large tanks of fuel at no charge to those in need. That gives me just a little bit more insight about this man.
When you live in a smaller town, you get to know people and they get to know you very well. Many of the local police and sheriff's departments were at the funeral and standing at the entrance to the cemetery. The sheriff's department personnel had their white cowboy type hats off and held them over their heart in respect for Sheldon and his family members. That tells me just a little bit more about Sheldon.
As I mentioned earlier, Sheldon was a hard working man. The minister at the funeral said, "Now Sheldon can have some rest." Another bit of information about Sheldon.
Sheldon is now buried in the large, City of Natchez Cemetery, which local mystery writer, Greg Illes, named one of his books, "Turning Angel". Our son-in-law took us to the "Turning Angel" and gave us the insight into how it got its name. It seems that many years ago, when you walked or drove around the cemetery, it seemed this angel would turn toward you.
There is much to learn about this cemetery that was established in the early 1800's. I'd like more time to learn about this historic cemetery, the people buried there and if this cemetery could talk, what fascinating stories could she tell? The same is true of a well loved man from Natchez, MS..........Sheldon Kaiser.
The images I added to this blog were taken outside Sheldon and Kim's home. They depict the quiet, late sunset evening, created by God, that Sheldon would have seen each day. And, those words remind me of what I learned about Sheldon on a normal day, Monday, November 11, 2010.