Heroes of the Faith

The first time I noticed my husband he was playing Roll Jordan Roll on his trombone at the assembly welcoming freshman and returning students to the campus of, at that time, Eastern Pilgrim College.  He was really rocking it, pushing the limits at a very conservative college.

Throughout our entire courtship and marriage my husband has been involved in some type of music in the Church. Solos, duets, quartets, worship leader....and his trombone.

Since his injury that planted him in the wheelchair we have become owners of many Gaither Homecoming videos.  Often, in the darkness that surrounded Dwight in 2002, I would put one on and the Holy Spirit used the music to lift him up. 

Since he has been at Mill Run I have added to our collection, including Red Rock.  He had written in his notebook a number of songs he wanted for his funeral, (13 in all!!!) including a song called Heroes of the Faith from this DVD.  I was not familiar with song until till tonight.  I must admit this an excellent song for Dwight and I would like to share it with you here...

http://www.youtube.com/embed/OWb3j8EBV0k

 Obit:

Dwight Elliott Shirey, 60, passed May   8, 2012 at Mill Run Gardens and Care Center, where he has been a resident for the past two years.  Dwight and his bride, Susie Thompson Shirey celebrate their 40th anniversary this month.    They have three children, Samuel-Troy E Shirey of Lisbon, OH;  Karin Shirey Henn (Timothy) of Galloway Oh; and Kristen Shirey of Columbus, OH.  He is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Isaiah, Isaac and Esther-Faith Henn and Jackson and Aurora Deubner.   He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph C and Lilias Elliott Shirey of Latrobe Pa and his brother, Calvin T Shirey of Salt Lake City, UT.  Dwight graduated from Greater Latrobe Area High School and United Wesleyan College.  Dwight has been active in the Church of the Nazarene for 40 years as Song Evangelist, Minister of Music and an Ordained Elder, Pastoring in Warren Oh.  He is a member of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, Gahanna Oh. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested giving to the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Music Department Scholarship Fund in Memory of Dwight E Shirey. (800 Martinsburg Rd, Mount Vernon, Oh 43050)

A Memorial Service will be held at Shepherd Church of the Nazarene on May 18, 2012 at 11:00 AM.  (425 South Hamilton Rd.,  Gahanna, OH 43230).

Sleeping

Dwight is sleeping a lot, rarely waking.  It is a pleasure to watch him open his eyes and slightly smile when a staff member stops in and speaks his name. He is definitely well loved here at Mill Run and Gardens.  Staff from the office, nurses, aids, kitchen workers, cleaning ladies and one of the gentlemen from maintenance stop in often.  Some are very sad that Dwight will be leaving us soon.  Those who don't understand the joy and healing he will have in Heaven seem to be having the hardest time.  Sunday he tried to explain it to an aid.  As she says, "He let me have it." 

Thank you to all who are praying for him, myself, the children and grandchildren.  I ask that you especially pray for our precious grandchildren, that they will understand Papa is better and waiting for them.  We have purchased some excellent books to help them.  Randy Alcorn has one called 'Heaven for Kids'.  A kids version of a great book for adults, "Heaven."  It is good reading for all at anytime of your life.

What were they thinking?

Of course no one will own up to being the one responsible, but when I walked to Dwight's room I thought I was in a Swedish sauna.  It was so hot I am surprised my glasses didn't fog up.  'Someone' had turned the heat on full bore, could not get it any higher.  And they had Dwight covered with a sheet and two blankets.  Dwight isn't a fan of blankets so I know he didn't ask for this. He was sweating alot. 

Heat off, blankets off.  Washed his poor face.  Fan on (no A/C--he doesn't like the cold air any longer).  He is still hot, but he isn't eating or drinking much so that could be the cause of that. 

Yesterday he had a great visit with Pastor Tim complete with a Boston cream donut.  They shared many things with each other. Prayed together. What a wonderful friendship they have.  I wanted to leave, felt like an intruder on something special, but Tim wanted me to stay. 

This morning he had a visit from a dear friend of ours, Donna Lewis.  Another dear friend, Pastor Fred called a few days ago. We have made some wonderful friends through the years.  I have received many messages on email and facebook.  Thanks friends, for being friends and praying. I can't put all the names here, but I have you in my heart and mind.

This afternoon Dwight is having some trouble breathing and difficulty conversing, mostly in two or three words.  Not all making sense.  But he still gives me that special  'I love you'  smile.  He still knows how make me feel so cherished.