The Desk

A Lasting Legacy

 

Happy Monday to our CFC family;

 

In 1990, during my third year from Bible College, I chose to volunteer at a local halfway home a few times a week. It was a life-changing experience that ignited my passion for helping those less fortunate than myself.

 

While working there, I encountered a fascinating individual named Roy Hadwin. Although he was only in his late-sixties at the time, the effects of alcoholism had aged him prematurely, leaving his frail body weak and when he attempted to walk, he could only shuffle slowly across the floor. Despite his physical decline, Roy's spirit shone brightly, and his wealth of stories made my visits with him all the more enjoyable.

As I spent time with Roy, I discovered that he had once been a pilot flying Spitfires in the Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. As an aviation enthusiast, I was captivated by his accounts of daring missions and heart-pounding close calls.

During one of my visits, Roy pointed to a large scar on the back of his head and shared the harrowing story behind it. A bullet had pierced his canopy, striking him and leaving him momentarily unconscious. Just as the plane began its fatal descent, he miraculously regained consciousness. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Roy flipped the plane upside down and bailed out, parachuting to safety with only seconds to spare.  Such incredible stories of heroism that I remember so vividly to this very day.

 

The following fall, when I returned to college for my final year, I received the news that this fascinating man, Roy Hadwin, had passed away alone in a derelict hotel room from liver failure.

Given my relationship with him, Lenise (who was my fiancée at the time) and I decided we should attend his funeral to pay our respects. To our surprise, when we arrived, we found that, apart from his son and the funeral director, we were the only ones present. What a heartbreaking conclusion to such a heroic life. Roy's reclusive nature and addictive behavior had driven most of his family away and had left him with very few friends to honour his memory. In the end, this war hero died alone and in poor health, seemingly unnoticed by the world.

 

This past Saturday, shortly after Helen Klassen’s passing, I sat with John in his apartment as we reflected on their life together. Looking at the family portrait on the wall, taken just last summer at their reunion, I remarked on the incredible legacy that both he and Helen had created. Each of those family members had been profoundly impacted by them. Through their love, compassion, and faith in God, this legacy has been passed down, destined to continue for countless generations.

 

While Roy Hadwin's war stories were impressive, his impact on the world was rather limited. He may have once been a young man flying over enemy territory, battling the Germans, but what influence did he truly have on his son?

Today, I can still remember his son standing at his fathers funeral all those years ago, appearing almost indifferent to Roy’s passing. Given Roy's struggles with alcoholism and his reclusive nature, it seemed that his son was more relieved than sorrowful about his dad's death. What a tragic conclusion to the life of this war hero.

 

The Bible says in Psalm 112:1-3;

“Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.”

 

In the end, we will all leave a legacy.  What will your family say of you?

 

Question:  What is the Legacy that you want to leave for your

family?

 

 

Have a great week and we’ll see you Sunday!