An Affectionate Good-Bye for Lu

Last night I was notified by my dear PGR brother, that his beloved wife of 45 years has passed away in Arkansas.  She was 84.  This is my tribute to her memory.

Lucille (Lucy) Katherine Harris Olds
(January 23, 1928 – April 21, 2009)

Through my affiliation with the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR),  I have got to know some incredible people.  For those who are not familiar with the organization, it was started by a group that belonged to the American Legion Riders (a club for Veterans who like to ride!); in response to an evil group of people who masquarade as a “church” in Topeka, KS.  They were protesting fallen American heroes at their funerals.  They did so with offensive signs such as “Thank God for Dead Soldiers”, etc, and shouting insults at the families and mourners.  In response, the veterans would show up on motorcycles, form a line between the “protesters” with American flags and bikes and when they started shrilling their insanity, they would “reve up their bikes”, sing patriotic songs or play patriotic music to drown the offending parties out.  There is nothing more sacred than a family’s abilitity to say “good-bye” to a loved one who has sacrificed a young and promising life, in service to their country in time of war.  I was drawn to the organization due to my desire to help sheild these families and show respect for their precious sacrifice.

Bob and Lu Olds are part of the wonderful circle of friends I have made in the PGR.  Here is a man and woman who have dedicated a lifetime of service to our country. Bob served in the military and then as career law enforcement officer in California, and Lu as a Civil Air Patrol member, and as the support system for her husband and children over his career of service.  I don’t think you will find a military, active duty or vet or law enforcement professional who won’t agree, they are only as good as the life-partner who supports them on the homefront.  This couple had 45 years together in support of each other, retired and then proceeded to show us that retirement doesn’t mean you stop living and giving.

Last night I found out that Bob’s precious wife Lu had passed on to our Savior.  I remembered what my father went through when my mother passed on.  My feelings at losing my mother were self-pity and celebration, a mixed bag, but Dad’s feelings were even deeper.  As a Christian, I knew she was with our Lord and no longer was suffering with cancer, but I was not ready to lose my mother, as Dad was not ready to lose his beloved wife.  I learned the meaning of love from my father during those days proceeding and after her death.  So to my dear friend, Bob, I give heartfilled condolences at his time of loss, but also gratitude for the wonderful example their life has been for so many good people like myself.  His precious Lu has now gone on to Glory and will be waiting for him when his time comes, and what a glorious reunion it will be.  As his friend, PGR sister, fellow Christian and American, I pledge love and support always for this good man and the woman who served us all for a lifetime.  I give them both a debt of gratitude for their service and friendship.  Thank you both and God Bless.

God Will Always Love Us

It’s amazing and incredible,
But it’s as true as it can be
God loves and understands us all
And that means you and me.

His grace is all-sufficient
For both the young and old,
For the lonely and the timid,
For the brash and for the bold.

His love knows no exceptions,
So never feel excluded,
No matter who or what you are
Your name has been included.
And no matter what your past has been,
Trust God to understand,

And no matter what your problem is
Just place it in His Hand.
For in all of our unloveliness
This great God loves us still,
He loved us since the world began
And what’s more, He always will!

Written By:
© Helen Steiner Rice