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I am sad to report that Free Republic has lost one of it's warriors. I recieved this from LoveUSA today. She informed me that her father has passed away. She said that her father was a Freeper and had been involved in the Bush Rallies.
Please direct your messages, and prayers to Love USA and her family.
LoveUSA wrote:
Michael A. Marhevka
Born December 3, 1924 - Died January 22, 2001.
He grew up in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, the son of Slovak immigrants. He enlisted in the United States Air Force but the war ended soon after and he never had an overseas tour. His forte was working on the planes' electrical systems.
My dad was a "mover and a shaker" in a small town in Pennsylvania, just south of Carlisle, called Mount Holly Springs. Since 1963 he owned a successful woodworking plant there with about forty employees. He was a success at everything he did.
My Dad was involved in every beautification, memorialization and historical project that Mount Holly undertook. Thanks to his hard work and generosity, trees bloom along the main street in spring and giant Christmas wreaths twinkle from every pole in the winter (He purchased the wreaths, made sure they were hung every year, made sure they were taken down every year). This past year he was too tired to do more than small tasks at the festival.
In the fall he helped a great deal to organize and run a gospel concert. He enjoyed being an emcee. It seems that every plaque, tree, or sign that was dedicated in that town had Mike Marhevka's fingerprints all over it. A couple of years ago the Carlisle Sentinel newspaper named his one of "Carlisle's Finest".
Cumberland County celebrated 250 years this past year, and Dad was asked to do a lot of photography. About a third of the pictures in the commemorative book are his. His specialty was "then and now" pictures of local buildings.
The last photographs he took were of the Bush Rally in Carlisle. I posted some of those photographs and I'm sure you'll agree they were superb. He was so proud of me that day. I spoke briefly during the rally about Free Republic and how Freepers were coming together all across the nation to reclaim their country.
When I was done speaking he hugged me sooo tightly and said he was so proud of me.
My mother, brothers, and I admit now that we had a sense of foreboding this past Christmas that our lives were going to change. Dad seemed more and more melancholy. On the evening of Sunday, January 20th, Dad collapsed immediately after complaining of a severe pain in his abdomen. He was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed as having a ruptured aortic aneurysm. They operated until 2:30 in the morning and raved about how well he came through the operation. We thought he had pulled another "Mike Marhevka" and came through this surgery with flying colors.
We went home and fell asleep thanking God. But the next day Dad was in extreme pain and deteriorated into acidosis. The moment I said, "I give up Jesus, he's Yours...You can have him" the doctor walked out Dad's room with his head down and heaved a big sigh. The journey was over for Dad but it was just beginning for the rest of my family.
I've been praying for strength that doesn't seem to come....but I'll keep praying.
Writing this has helped me a lot.
Dad loved signing on and lurking on Free Republic.
He had one of the Bush Rally pictures as the wallpaper on his computer. I don't think he ever posted though.
This verse from THE LEADER OF THE BAND by Dan Fogelberg always made me think of Dad..
"The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing
old,
But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul,
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man,
I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band."
Please direct your posts to LoveUSA
Bump!
BUMP!
I've been through Mount Holly many times. I can attest to the work your father must have done to make it such as it is. The world is a small place indeed. Please accept my deepest sympathies, and respects.
A great Father
A great Citizen
A great Man.
I am sure God is with him and your family at this time.
Your grief is shared.
Ashland, Missouri
Our family's thoughts and prayers are going your way. God Bless you all.
And he lived to see an honorable and decent man occupy the White House.
Yes he did. He helped put Bush there with the work he did at the Bush rallies according to his daughter.
What was his screenname?
My heart is just broken for your loss, for our loss. The strength of this site is not only those who post, but maybe even more so those who lurk. Especially those of the quality of your father.. wow, he sounds so amazing. I wish I could have met him.
I can tell that your Dad was proud of you. You must have been very close, it is so apparent from your letter.
I can't help but cry for you, tears are/were streaming down my face as I read your letter and mourn your loss.
I will pray for Michael A. Marhevka!!!! May God welcome him and comfort you and your family!!
God Bless you
Mary Ann
My condolences. Was he at the Harrisberg rally where I met you?
I don't know Appy. LoveUSA forgot to tell me. Hopefully LoveUSA will see this and can answer this question. She wrote and told me she could not bring herslef to post this and needed help. I volunteered.
Ooops...I just read he never posted. He sounds like a great man.
Condolences and prayers for you and your family.
A salute to a life well lived.
Please know that we are lifting you and the family up in prayer! It is ironic that we must grieve the most for the people who are most lovable. But I guess that is part of the testimony of a life well lived.
May God give you the peace that passes all understanding and keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What a beautiful tribute to your father. He must be so proud of you smiling from heaven. And now he has the energy and peace to be with you and your family from above. I share in your grief but also in the joy that he is in a better place. My prayers for you and your family as you work through this loss...
To LoveUSA and Family:
May God grant you peace and comfort.
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear Father.
Ditto!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your dad, LoveUSA. Prayers are on the way.
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
-- Christina Rossetti
Heavenly Father, we praise you for the life of this saint that you have now taken home. Now, Lord, we ask that You grant peace and strength to his family. Wrap Your arms of Love around them and let them feel Your comforting presence. Let them know that peace that passes understanding as they grieve for the loss of one so dear. In His holy name we pray, Amen
May loving memories of your father fill your heart to lessen your sorrow.
Amen.
What a beautiful tribute! The most conforting thing anyone said to me when I buried my Dad and then again when I buried my Mom was "You are in my thoughts and prayers," I hope this helps in some small way.
What a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing that with everyone.
A tearful Bump Kayak, beauitful.
May the Lord give you and your family the peace that only He can give- the peace that passes all understanding - as you grieve.
I know that He will. He did for our family when we lost my Mom 5 years ago. The time that you spend planning the service, and greeting friends and family during the visitation and funeral will be more precious than you can imagine.
How special that you shared FReeping with him!
You're welcome Teacup.
My own personal belief is that one's parents, if they are good and loving, live on through thier children. I have no doubts that such is the case with you. I'll join your in mourning the passing of a brother/Freeper and at the same time find some relief with the sure knowledge that the part of himself that he would have be eternal is perpetuated through you.
our thoughts and prayers.
Now there is a legacy.
Pennsylvania is my second favorite state (I rescued my wife from Erie.)
Solid men, like your father, is what made and makes Penn. and America great. Not the political claptrap, but a life well lived.
Thanks for telling us about him.
How nice to know that people passing through Mount Holly Springs will enjoy your father's works for years to come.
Prayers for you and your family. I hope the pain is eased by the wonderful memories and pride you have in dad and the pride he had in you. Bless
Please direct your posts to LoveUSA
Thank you for your lovely words. I'm sure LoveUSA will apprieciate them.
BUMP!
The last photographs he took were of the Bush Rally in Carlisle. I posted some of those photographs and I'm sure you'll agree they were superb. He was so proud of me that day. I spoke briefly during the rally about Free Republic and how Freepers were coming together all across the nation to reclaim their country.
When I was done speaking he hugged me sooo tightly and said he was so proud of me.
Bless you, LoveUSA. I am so sorry for your loss. Your father is living through you, in your loving words.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt letter about your dad. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family this day and the days to follow. What a beautiful tribute, I wish I had met him, perhaps some day I will.
I suggest you save your letter along with the responses. They may help in the process of saying goodby for now. I know that it will help to know that you are not alone.
Take care and God bless.
Bump
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. The men like your father who worked so hard for their families and contributed so much to their communities have been so valuable to this nation. May God comfort you in your time of grief, but know also that you will see him again.
"In My Father's House are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go before you to prepare a place for you."
Thank you Freepers! Your kind words are appreciated more than I will ever be able to express.
Dad came here to Free Republic everyday to get the news. I know he would be thrilled to see the kind things you guys are saying from reading his humble tribute. And yes, I am gaining strength from your comforting thoughts.
When the priest visited us today, I was reminded of the many altars and crosses and candle stands my father made for St. Patrick's Church in Carlisle.
Somewhere in Heaven there must have been a classified ad that said:
WANTED: WOODWORKER WITH GOOD ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS WHO LOVES PEOPLE AND NEVER REFUSES TO HELP SOMEONE IN NEED.
That would be my Dad.
Thank you again.
As time passes and your heavy heart lightens, let your father's joy live on by sharing your thoughts with us. Condolences.
True regrets from a fellow Pennsylvanian and American.
And God said:P>"Well done, good and faithful servant."
You have my deepest condolences. Your father was a lucky man. And you truly are a living legacy ...
Thank you for the flag, RC.
Love, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. Your father sounds like a remarkable man. I'm glad he lived to see the good guys win finally, and I'm sure he's proud of your role in rallying the troops when they tried to steal the election.
I live in Harrisburg. I was out of town the weekend of the rally at the Capitol, but I heard great things about it and about your talk from my friend Rippin.
May God bless you and your family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
With my sincerest condolences,
WW
Those who go from us to God are as close to us as God is -- and God is very close.
Your father's life has not ended; it has only changed.
God bless.
Sounds like LoveUSA's dad was a character with lots of character. They don't make them like that much anymore and the world isn't as much fun as it used to be.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that asking our Father for the strength necessary to meet what's needed to overcome each day works....and I thank God daily for that promise.
Surely, they don't make them like that anymore - but we can all hope to achieve even a portion of their greatness; in humility, and in accomplishment.
God Bless, Love USA. My deepest sympathies on your loss.
Take care of yourself, Dr. R.
You are a true FRiend to all of us FReepers.
I know you would want to say something in tribute and comfort.
Your father sounds like a great guy. I'm sorry he's no longer with us.
I have been trying to find just the right quote or poem, but I have realized that you have already done so in such a perfect tribute to the measure of the man, Michael A. Marhevka "the leader of the band." The tree lost its leaves, but still stood strong; it would once again bring all the beauty of the buds of green until it burst forth its true splendor, sharing its rhapsody with generation upon generation.
Thanks Teacup, and Angelique, this is a very difficult time for our own friend, when someone so special is taken from them. The friends, family, and especially the loss that will be felt in this wonderful small American town, is testament to Michael's worth. It is people like Mr. Marhevka, that make our country what it is, not the politicians, or the poets, but the Family men who guide their children through the hard times, and work for the betterment of his neighbors. He has not left his family and friends only passed to a new spot in their hearts.
"They may forget what you said, but they will
never forget how you made them feel."
-Carl W. Buechner
Condolences to you, LoveUSA,
I don't know how many years your father lived. I lost mine last July 17 after his completing 93 revolutions around the sun on God's little blue planet. If your father didn't live that long, it's a shame. However, my dad began to live so long that he suffered toward the end. It sounds like your's didn't suffer long and at least that is good.
It was hard to watch my father realize that he was living too long and begin to weep when I would visit, wishing he could go to meet his maker that he waited all his life to see him coming back in the clouds. It really tested his faith at times and it was hard to watch.
Maybe by some chance they will meet in that better place. I know it reminded me of that old church hymn that says, "We'll understand it all by and by." I was proud of him, just as you have every reason to be proud of yours. His work here is done and even though we've not even crossed paths here on FR, I can tell he did a beautiful job of being a wonderful father.
May God bless and keep you till we all meet again, with our fathers at our side.
Angelique, thanks for the flag and the opportunity.
I lost my dad on January 16th, so I know what you're feeling right now. My dad wasn't a freeper, but he could have been. Bashing Bill and Hill was one of our favorite pass times.
Funny thing, that same song has been going through my mind a lot lately.
I'll be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Sorry to hear about your loss, L-USA. It's been 10 years since I lost my dad and I still think about him. The pain will lessen, but the memories will remain. God's blessings to you and your family.
Thanks for the flag, Angelique.
A night time bump so those who didn't know can offer their condolences. God Bless, Mary Ann
My prayers are with you. May God lead you and help bring more understanding.
I know how you feel LoveUSA, I just buried my Mom last week. Here is the memorial speech I gave:
Now for the weather report... "Even though it’s rainy and cold in Fort Worth, the sun in heaven is shining and the angels are rejoicing. They have been partying since Monday and we are missing out.
After my sister told me the news of Mom’s passing, I thought about the last conversation I had with Mom. She said, "When are you going to come see me so I can give you a big hug?"
The Meadows’ family is a hugging family. Mother’s hugs were soft, gentle, and sweet, and Dad’s were of the bear hug variety. Thinking about those hugs caused me to write this poem.
Mother’s Arms
January 15, 2001
As a baby feeling so mistreated,
I found comfort in Mother’s arms.
When there was lightening and thunder,
I found comfort in Mother’s arms.
Scared to death on the first day of school,
I found comfort in Mother’s arms.
Even when she scolded and corrected me,
I found comfort in Mother’s arms.
As a teenager facing rejection,
I found comfort in Mother’s arms.
On to college and the Marine Corp
I longed for Mother’s arms.
I moved away and married,
Yet longed for Mother’s arms.
Now as a parent and grandparent,
I still long for Mother’s arms.
Today, we celebrate the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr. and I mourn the passing of my Mom, Gertrude Smith Meadows...the One And Only! Mother passed away this morning in Fort Worth, Texas at the age of 88. She was a tough ole’ bird that told you exactly what was on her mind. She had an excellent sense of humor and loved to laugh. A few months ago after Mom had her pacemaker successful installed, the doctor came out of surgery with a smile on his face. He said he was playing Jimmi Hendrix music in the background and before mom went under he asked her if she liked Jimmi Hendrix? Mom's response was, "Yeah, sure, I just love classical music."
Mom was quite a character..."I can still whip you with one arm tied behind me!" she’d say with that beautiful smile. I’d hug her and say, "I know you can, Mom."
I have a million questions for God when I reach heaven ranging from "How did you put those beautiful colors in flowers", to "how did you create the universe?" I expect Mom’s first question to God would be, "Where’s Paul?"...My Dad and Hero! When I reach heaven, I hope God has instant replay, so I can experience the reunion that Mom and Dad had this morning.
How I Long for Mother’s Arms...
After I’d written this, I was thinking, "Good Lord, take me now." My six-year-old granddaughter, Amanda, could see the pain I was going through, so she took a coffee cup out to the front yard, and yanked up every pansy in sight. She stuffed them all into the coffee cup, brought them to me and said, "Peepaw, this will make you feel better," with her little head shaking up and down on every word. Her little pigtails, were flapping like the wings of angels. I realized at that point, God couldn’t take me home yet because I had some unfinished business.
Thank you all for being with us today to celebrate Mom’s life, and to put a deposit in our memory bank.
In closing, I have one thing to say to my three sisters, "...I hope one of you saved the recipe for Mom’s fried pies."
My prayers are with you.
BUMP!
(((((((Chief))))))))))) (that is a cyber hug) I'm so sorry for your loss!!!!! What a beautiful thing to do for your Mom (I imagine it was extremely hard to read it at the service, I would want to do the same, but don't know if I could get thru it).
Your words for your Mom reminded me of a policeman who came to one of my hospice families homes. He said something that has just "stuck" with me all these years. The family was sitting in the living room saying their final goodbyes to Mom, and he said;
"Remember today is just ONE day in your Moms life, remember all the good times, chose your memories wisely.. allow her to live on that way in your hearts and minds"..
A young policeman who was very wise.
I've seen your name here forever it seems. I'm just so sorry for your loss,.. both my parents are elderly, and I can't imagine the pain. I don't even want to. So, I will light a candle for your Mother.. and for you and your family.
God Bless, Mary Ann/FemaleVet
Yes, Angelique, thank you for flagging me. What a beautiful tribute to a father, Love. Thank you for sharing with us, and God bless you and your family. Many of us from experience know the pain and the loss you feel and can only hope you know we hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
CHIEF, this is a different side of you that we haven't seen much of. Bless your heart - that was so moving. I hope one of your sisters does have your mom's fried pie recipe. Hugs.
Hey, I might look mean, but I'm really a pussycat. After the service, one sister said she stood next to Mom and copied her receipe exactly...her fried pies turned into mush. My neice, a home ec [sp?] teacher, will try to duplicate.
Thank you so much Mary Ann. I tried to read it to my sister on the phone and couldn't make it through. She said for me to practice. I did, but still couldn't complete it without breaking up. I asked the good Lord to give me strength and he did.
I was still as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rockingchairs.
My condolences to you for your great loss.
Wednesday hugs and prayers all around!
Tooling around the net and found that this article about my Dad was on the site for the Carlisle Sentinel. It was published a while ago, but reading his quotes made me feel like he was alive again.
My Dad looks very old in the picture, but actually the color overlays were off and it made him look older that he really looked. (You'll also notice that they don't even mention me.)
An article about my Dad's volunteer life.
It's funny that my Dad's truck was sitting idle in my Mom's driveway and I could barely look at it. I said to myself that I should go sit in it to be close to my Dad..but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Meanwhile I've been asking Dad to give me a sign that he's still around...that his spirit wasn't extinquished along with his human heart.
Yesterday my car started making funny noises and I got it to the dealership just before they closed. They said I'd have to leave it because it looks like the water pump. The only vehicle I had available to me without inconveniencing the rest of the family was...guess what...my Dad's truck. So now I'm driving it and it's actually made me feel better to do so.
God Bless everyone who's given me kind words. I printed off the thread yesterday to let my Mom read it. She was greatly moved that so many people would take time to comfort a stranger. She went off in a separate room and cried as she read it.
God bless all you Freepers.
Please read my above post and accept my deepest thanks for your help.
What a nice writeup about your Dad. Looks like he'll be missed by many.
Thank you for the article on your dad. Prayers for you and your family.
That was a wonderful tribute to your dad. He must have been quite the man. The story of your dad's truck brought tears to my eyes. Comfort can come from the most unexpected places sometimes. Prayers for you and your family.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
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