By Glenn Koster
Walking Through Life
This past week has been a bit of a challenge for me. My mom, Ruth Koster, passed away on April 27. We drove to Michigan for her memorial service, which was held on May 1. I am very well aware that this is all part of life, which is why I have chosen this month’s “Walking Through Life” column to focus on something we often overlook. Truly as we walk through life, we need to focus more on being a memory than on making memories.
Mom’s funeral was very touching as my sister offered a unique look on Mom’s life, which was always focused on others. In fact, in her last weeks, Mom was adamant that she did not want her funeral to be about her, but about encouraging others. I believe that was definitely accomplished while also encompassing her life.
One of the things that occurred during the ceremony that I had never before witnessed was a tribute by the Nurses Honor Guard, an organization that recognizes individuals who dedicated their lives to the profession of nursing. My mom did exactly that. She began her nursing career in the mid-1950s and finally retired in 2016 at the age of 81. She was truly a memory for so many.
My mom also served actively in her church for decades, spending the last 20 years at Beckwith Hills Christian Reformed Church, attending Bible studies, serving in the choir, and serving on the Missions Committee. Again, she was all about making memories for others.
The question must be asked. What should we be doing to help be memories for others?
One of the most obvious ways is to work on serving others to improve their lives in any—and every—way that we can. This will sometimes mean entertaining others. At times, it will mean encouraging others. Other times it will mean simply being available to listen to others. Unlike our mouths, our ears have no natural way to close. So, make sure your ears are always open.
Another way to make memories is to choose to do what others need (or want) to do. My mom was good about that as well. If you wanted to go shopping, she was there. If you needed to go play miniature golf, she was there. As children, if we wanted to go fishing, both she and my dad found a way to make that happen. The key was always to focus on others.
A great way to make memories with (and for) others is to be there for them during the storms in their lives. Mom was great at that. Growing up, if someone was suffering or in need, you could always count on Mom to visit or provide a meal. We often had others over to our house at unexpected times—even other people’s children that we rarely knew.
May you always seek to be a memory that people will cherish even after you’re gone.
Glenn Koster is a former reporter, a retired pastor, and a retired IT professional who spends most of his time now walking and working with various Reno County non-profits. He can be reached at Glenn.Koster@gmail.com or by phone at 620-960-4492.