Monday, January 17, 2022
Dear Rhonda and Ray,
My name is Susan O'Bryant. I volunteer at Deerfield Ridge in the Horizions Hall. I've been leading worship there on Sundays since August of 2021.
I first met Herman at worship. The Sunday before Christmas, I brought shawls and hats so we could dress as characters of the nativity as I read the Christmas story from the second book of Luke. Herman was Joseph; quiet, gentle, and steady. He wore a green and brown striped fabric shawl around his shoulders with his Veteran's hat. I'm smiling as I recall this sweet memory.
Unbeknownst to me, Herman was one of my Christmas "angels" which I chose from the tree in the outer lobby of Deerfield Ridge. One of his requests was "a baseball cap". I found a red and black buffalo checked cap. I realized he was "my angel" when I saw him several times in the hall wearing his hat. I'm smiling...
The following two Sundays, I sang both America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled Banner especially for him. I like to sing favorite songs of my friends who come to worship. The first time he heard America he said, "Beautiful", as he held my hand. It was the only word I ever heard him speak. Gentle smile...
I saw him once more at the initial meeting of the "Great Gentleman's Group" (the GGG's), Lorie Fidler's "brainchild" especially designed to celebrate the men of Horizons. We enjoyed coffee and chocolate chip cookies. We talked about favorite topics of interest to each person in attendance. I took notes. Herman's favorites read: visit with friends, worship, Duke fan, and military. Lorie was there and assisted with his interests.
Herman was a special person. Thank you for sharing him with me. I'm squeezing you with my heart...
May God comfort you and give you peace... Susan O'Bryant
