Dick Garrelts (70)
a message to the Class from Jerry Cummings ... "Their comments have touched us deeply."
"I just finished reading the 69er comments about Wray and am deeply touched. Seeing your brother through the eyes of his friends is a special perspective. As a lad I knew him best from the bumps and bruises brothers ‘inflict’ upon each other as the ritual brothers experience enroute to manhood. Bob, I empathize with your recollection of ’the lick’.
Since returning to the States and Lincoln in 2016, I got to spend time with Wray in ways we, as kids, never envisioned. I was his transport to Omaha for his medical appointments at the UNO Medical Center. I assumed that role from Sally Johnson whose devotion exceeds my ability to describe and Sid Connor who exemplifies the highest example of human love for one’s fellow man.
Most of our trips began with me bloviating about whatever was on my mind…usually politics. The ‘conversations’ were largely one-sided given Wray’s inability at that point to speak; so I had the advantage of not having to parry him shredding my positions. What a loss that; his voice was so soothing and most often carried thoughts worthy to consider.
Our visits would range in time from a couple of hours to several hours, depending on whether he would receive chemo or simply undergo labs. Regardless of the procedure, he would meet me in the waiting area, apologize for having kept me waiting and express his appreciation for my time. Never complain, never demonstrate self-pity. The return trips were usually in complete silence because he’d fall into a deep and exhausted sleep.
We were scheduled to return to Omaha on 13 June so the physicians could assess his condition and proscribe the next treatments. We didn’t make it. Wray fell ill and was admitted to Bryan West where he received the most attentive and caring medical assistance possible. His family was with him daily and a nurse purchased a cloth kitten to keep him company during our absence. It was with him to his end. I wasn’t present when Wray passed but was told he was not under stress, nor in pain. It simply was time for Wray to cross life’s threshold.
On behalf of his family, Laura and I wish to thank you for your kind thoughts and for sharing memories. You are all indeed special."
Jerry Cummings ('70)
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