aDORRable bears by Linda L. Dorr

The memorial service for Gilbert Colegrove was yesterday at 9:30 a.m. For a man who thought he was not worth anything, he had two wonderful, kind & compassionate ministers officiating....The Rev. Dr. David Ruhe (left - from Plymouth Church) and The Rev. Dr. Herbert Hedstrom from Elgin, IL. During the service, Pastor Hedstrom gave us some insight into Gilbert's past which he had gleaned from Gilbert over the approximate 20 years he knew him. Nobody had a dry eye when he was... done. It was difficult listening to the pain, both physical and emotional, that Gilbert experienced in his lifetime. I placed Gilbert's ashes in his spot in the Memorial Garden and we all took a turn covering it with a spade of soil. My grandson, James, helped me with the first topping of soil. In attendance was Pastor Ruhe, Pastor Hedstrom, his wife, and another lady whose name I did not remember. This was the lady who was responsible for finding a home for Gil's dog, Pocket. Also in attendance, my daughter, Kristin and my two grandsons, James & Benjamin. The symbolism of Gil's permanent home in the Memorial Garden, representing his permanent home with our Lord & Creator did not escape anyone in attendance. We all agreed how everything played out over the past several months was truly a "God Thing." Burial of cremains in the Plymouth Congregational Church of Christ is intended for members only and there is a fee. Pastor Ruhe waived both of those requirements. Coincidentally, both Pastors Ruhe & Hedstrom are graduates of Yale Divinity School. After the service, they were headed in to the coffee shop to visit. I feel so blessed to have been a part of this.