Remembering my uncle Bob

[cnq50b]

Mom's family grew up in midtown Kansas City. Their house was right next to one of the most beautiful churches in the area. I believe all 7 girls were married here. These pics don't show how long the aisle is to walk down - but you can imagine by looking at the outer structure.

Redemporist is one of those grand almost cathedral-like churches which are rare today. This was the natural place for Bob's memorial service.

Borrowed this shot off the web so you could see the whole structure:


Here's a shot of everyone who walked up from the office in front of one of the side entrances...


Inside the church...


And another from the back - there are five altars


The church is only about 2 miles from our office so we walked up there - it was such a beautiful day.
The walk...


Arriving...


We allowed 1 1/2 hours to get so many people up there but it only took 1/2 hour so we had time to show everyone our grandmother's house around the corner. As 100 people were standing outside, a gentleman came out & wondered what the hubbub was all about. My brother visited with him for a bit & told us he was delighted to know more about the history of the house.

It was a beautiful way to revisit so many places from our childhood while introducing the bigger CFCA family to much of the Hentzen family heritage.

[Bethers]

How lovely ... and how neat that the man in the house now could get some history, too.

[Irmi]

All I can say is Wow! The church is beautiful!

[SoCalGalcas]

Catherine, loved the pictures...THANKS for posting them. I also enjoyed reading all about your uncle Bob on the previous posts.
What a great, interesting man. lyn

[cpatinjones]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[BirdbyBird]

After all the walking that he did....what a special memorial to him. Wonderful that the weather cooperated. To be a part of such a community of caring is a blessing particularly in a time of grief.

[havingfunnow]

A beautiful place to remember a beautiful man. How wonderful to have such a community at his memorial.

[carolb]

[Redwahine]

What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.

[BarbaraRose]

That church is amazing! Just beautiful. Very fitting place for your uncle's memorial.

[Olive600]

Thank you Catherine for sharing your life and family. Your uncle's story has me thinking about a lot of hard and beautiful and important things. Read alongside the thread on growing old after RVing, it brings up so many questions about purpose and service and legacy. So much to consider and a lot of it not very comfortable. My condolences to you, your family, your community and all the people who your uncle and his organization reached out to. It's comforting to know that there are people like him, and everyone who serves, in the world.

Nikki

[Aokay]

Amazing church....just beautiful.

It is easy to see how revered your uncle was by the outpouring of people who attended the service. I am sure he was remembered fondly all around the world particularly in Guatemala. What joy it must have been to have him in your life along with other aunts and uncles who were involved in his work. I found his story so interesting. You come from good stock, Catherine!

[cnq50b]

Thanks, everyone.

Bob is an inspiration to all of us. When asked why he & his siblings started CFCA - he told them: “We have a big family, a strong family and a good family, but we’re not doing enough good.” So they decided to do something... All it takes is an idea, passion & persistance - they all admit they had no idea how this thing would turn out. Last year,$98.6 million was disbursed in direct assistance to our projects for the benefit of the children, youth and aging persons we serve. Pretty amazing for something that they started in their basement - huh...

And Nikki, you're right - his death & life give me cause to ponder if I'm doing enough while I still have time to make someone else's life a little better. We don't have to help thousands, just the person closest to us who might need a smile or an encouraging word - to truly walk with each other as we navigate the trials & joys of this life. That's why I feel so blessed to have found this group - that's what you all do - care for each other, encourage each other & accompany each person as they experience the ups & downs of life. After all birds of a feather flock together

So proud to be considered a part of this crazy RV family.

[JoanE]

Catherine, just getting to this post. My condolences on your uncle's passing. What a legacy!