Sarah Meeker, Activities Director at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield, introduces the Last Wishes Program.
Glenn Ferrel had a last wish, and that wish was visit his farm one more time. He wanted to see the crops harvested in the field, to catch sight of his home again, and to breathe in the country air before he transitioned from this world to the next. An attempt was made, but due to Glenn’s delicate health, he was not able to leave his bed.
Instead, Glenn spent a warm autumn afternoon with his family and friends at his bedside. As the October sun shown through his window at Parkview Care Center, the conversation flowed easily. Glenn sat quietly, wearing his black Middlecoop stocking hat, taking it all in. He was in high school when his father became ill and that’s when he began farming. Since that time, he farmed row after row of beans and corn, and raised hogs and cattle. He loved his cattle, but when they would get out at 2 a.m., he would tell his son Joe that he sure liked his hogs better.
Glenn also had a passion for woodworking. According to his daughter-in-law Tammy and daughter Jill, he built things to last. He made rolling pins, spoons, and cedar chests. He enjoyed hunting deer and mushrooms, but most of all, he enjoyed his family.
Connie, Glenn’s wife, said, “In April, we were married for 58 years. Our deal was when the babies were born, I would get roses, and he would get a boxer pup. I got my roses, but Glenn didn’t get his boxer until Joe was 13,” she said, laughing. “Family has always been important to us. We always had huge Easter celebrations at our home, with 40–50 people in attendance. Those were wonderful times.”
There were a lot of tears shed in our afternoon spent together, but there were also a lot of laughs. As I sat there listening to the stories and watching everyone interact, I thought of the verse in the book of Ecclesiastes: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” For planting, growing, and harvesting. For loving and for laughing. For letting go and for remembering.
Glenn passed away last month, but his legacy remains in the love he had for his wife, for his children and grandchildren. Much like the woodworking projects he threw his heart into, he built his legacy to last.