Jim Ed Sietz was in my class at Benson. He didn't graduate with the class as his father died when he was a junior and he had to go to work to support his mother and two brothers. I did not know him at the time.
Carol Sietz (I can't remember her maiden name.) was baptized the same day I was. Jim Ed taught the Bible class I was in as a new Christian, and he and Carol, Verne and I ran around some. Verne and I married, and Jim Ed and Carol married. Jim Ed and Carol had three children, Kim, Jimmy and Kelly. Jim Ed died several years ago. Kim died a few years ago.
The first Bible class I taught was a first through third grade class with three students, Raylene and Susie Brown and Becky French. I learned a bunch, but I don't think the students did.
The Story
Tuesday was really special. I went to ladies Bible class as usual. It was a nice surprise that Susie Brown was there. She has been having a rough time caring for her aging parents, one is senile, both are barely able to get around. Her ten siblings are not helping, but are being critical of her efforts. She has aged in the process.
After class I was taking care of a couple of projects, one of which took me to the office. Patty, the secretary and her daughter, Amy were talking with the utility man. It took me a minute to realize that the utility man was Jimmy Sietz, all six foot five of him! We had a nice visit and he vowed to start coming back to worship with us.
The Shock
That night Jimmy died of a heart attack.
The Reminders
Life is uncertain. Each day is a precious gift. Don't put off doing what you need to do even if it is hard. Keep focussed on God with thanksgiving.
3 comments:
Wow. That is a sobering story. Thanks for that reminder
Wow indeed!
Wow! was my first thought also.
Post a Comment