THE PERFECT DAY Yesterday was a perfect day, which is unusual to say, seeing that I laid my sweet Dale to rest in God’s hands, but it WAS a perfect day. I want to thank so many people who helped make it The Perfect Day. The logistics ran so smoothly, because of the loving guidance of Col. Mike Edmonson, LTC Charlie Dupuy and Ronnie Jones from the Louisiana State Police. From having my family picked up and dropped off and moved from here to there – to those who set up the web feed so that over 250 people who couldn’t be here in body could participate in the service - to the beautiful Honor Guard that watched over Dale’s body – to the ceremonial collection of officers, from where I stood, it went off without a hitch. More about LSP later. The Church Staff was amazing. Kelly Surace, who just so happens to be by niece, worked so diligently with the LSP to get the live web feed working and the program perfect, Kyle Wooldridge who loving arranged the items on the altar, Ruthie Fahey who answered phones and made sure everything looked its best, to Carter Smith who ran the sound equipment, I thank you all. Then my friends that created the welcoming atmosphere as people came together from near and far, I thank you all. The service it’s self was perfect. As the State Police filed into the choir loft of the church, I got so tickled that there were a “Choir of Angels” standing behind Dale. How powerful. When the first sound of the Bagpipes and Organ began their majestic song of “Highland Cathedral” played by Stan Masinter and Evelyn Hopes, I knew we were where we were supposed to be, doing what we were supposed to be doing, celebrating Dale Hall’s life. Reverands Dr. Van Stinson, Matthew Rawle, Ken Irby and Larry Miller shared their gifts in helping everyone there celebrate Dale’s faith and fate with just the right touch of his strength of character, humor and love. I was so proud of Dale’s brother Gary for speaking. I know how hard that is to do, but he said what we needed to hear. Then when Dr. Rajat Bhushan told of first meeting Dale and how they made an immediate connection that developed into a friendship and mutual admiration, I was so touched. Ken Davis was so genuine with his memories of our travels and teaching Sunday School, people learned a little more about the man Dale was. And then with the hand of God that had helped us all plan this day, Brian Wynne, unknowingly used the chosen scripture reading for the day. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 comparing those attributes of Love to Dale. Isn’t it interesting that both Brian and I thought of that scripture when we thought of Dale, it was perfect. The 23 Psalms, sung by Jan and Dudley-Brian Smith was so calming and reminded us all of the hope and promise of God. I have been singing the last bit of the blessing they shared all day long today. “And till we meet again, my God hold you in the palm of his hands.” I am at peace. Now, more about State Police. It took a tremendous effort to organize the events of the day, but my favorite part was being able to bring together our friends and families in a beautiful facility that meant so much to Dale. The food and hospitality shown by all was so special. From the Staff at JESTC to the cooks and servers, it was perfect. And when they presented me with a plate of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, Waldorf salad and banana split pie, which was Dale’s standard Wednesday meal at the cafeteria, I was so happy. Seeing everyone laughing and enjoying visiting with each other, being able to relax and watch pictures of Dale becoming the person he became was just - Perfect. Mike gathered us all at the end of the day and told us how he felt about his friend and brother. Then proclaimed that the lodge that Dale helped to develop be named “The Dale Hall Lodge” or as we later joked “the Hall Hall”, and lovingly named the lounge “the Hootie-Hoo”, we were able to laugh together in celebration. Charlie then read a poem that Roy, an inmate, wrote with the help of others. It was printed in a card with pictures and even laminated using his own money. It showed how accessible Dale was to others. I then was able to say a few words of thanks to everyone, my family, Dale’s family, friends and family that had traveled to share this day, State Police for all that they had done. And then to praise the men I am lucky enough to call my sons and the women they have so wisely chosen to share their lives with. I am such a lucky woman. Joe & Val and Matt & Maggie have been so strong, supportive and loving through this whole ordeal, I am proud to call you mine. After the raising of the flags, Kelly Dupuy then made me shed a tear when she shared some pictures that she had taken on several of the trips we have been on. One picture of Dale she had blown up to an 8 X 10 black and white. It captured the perfect way Dale looked at me. I was stunned. It will forever be a comfort to me. Then the other pictures showed the full spirit of Dale Hall, fun, silly, thoughtful and thankful for God’s world. As I looked at these photos, I realized that that spirit is what I would have witnessed die if I hadn’t witnessed his body die. I am at peace. To have had Dale Hall in my life, what can I say. I will love him till the day that I can join him and then for eternity. How can I be sad about that. We were married 2 weeks shy of 34 years. How can I be sad about that. I will still need everyone’s love and prayers in the days to come, because I know that I will feel lonely, but how can I be sad. I have had the most amazing support through this whole experience. Colette Mitchell and Kathy Wynne took me to lunch when first finding out Dale’s diagnosis to help me understand the process because they had been there, done that and stayed with me each step of the way. Jill Davis and Evelyn Hopes who could always help me laugh and gave me strength. The support I received from my Facebook friends was amazing. Each night I would read comments and look at who “liked” my updates and knew how loved Dale and I were. Charlotte McGarr was my little elf that showed up with goodies, cards and calming gifts, right when I needed them. I want to thank Sharon and David and their entire family for their support, both loving and technical; Susan, for always watching out for me, keeping me comfortable and loved; for phone calls and texts from Chuck and Suzanne; for Gary’s unfailing attention to our needs and Nancy’s love and organization; for Stewart’s all encompassing concern and Kendall’s bear hugs; for Danielle’s loving professional advice when Dale was having issues at home. To Jane John, who was there to hold my hand and pray with me when everything was over, I will be forever in your debt. To Frank Blackburn who is helping me sift through all the legalities, I appreciate your strength. And then to my mother, who so unwittingly showed me how to be a strong woman of faith through all of my trials, I love you. To my brother, Richard, who was there for me before anyone else, who comforted me in my worst nightmare, who contacted people and was my rock when I needed him most, I love you. There are too many people to thank here in this message, but know that all of you who were there at the hospital, who brought food, magazines, sent cards, had my glasses fixed, came when I needed them, drank coffee with me, prayed for us, loved us, I will remember and feel loved in my lonely times. I am rejoicing in my fullness of spirit. I know that is what Dale would want and I know that is what God would want.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 04:59:39 +0000
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