Sunday, March 17, 2013
When Ron's son, Steve, got married, Ron gave a touching speech at the rehearsal dinner. He spoke about how he had replaced a door knob on one of the doors in their house when Steve was three. Having diligently watched his father, the next day Steve proceeded to remove all the door knobs in the house. Faye was quite angry with her son, however after returning home from work, Ron simply told Steve that if he knew how to remove the door knobs, then he could certainly put them back on and Steve did! What I remember most about the speech was not the charming story of the brilliant and handy "Little Ron" and the door knobs, but the extraordinary love and affection with which Ron spoke of his son. I have had the honor and privilege of knowing the Swenson's for twenty-five years. In that time, they have always stood out as a family that truly loved one another, not just as parents and children, but also as mentors and friends.
On a personal note, when my father passed away last year in March, both Ron and Faye showed up the next day with food. Even though Ron was already on portable oxygen, he and Faye graciously stayed to share a meal with us. We talked, shared stories and even laughed! It was loving care that was so desperately needed at that moment and I will be forever grateful.
Peace be with you, Ron you will be dearly missed!
