This photo was taken at the last Schwendiman Reunion. Left to right it is my mom, Grandma, Grandpa and my dad. Grandpa has been an incredible example in my life. As his health has declined, the measure of what a great man he is has really hit me. I felt impressed to write a poem. The words don't seem enough, but it is a feeble attempt to give honor to a man who quietly and humbly has been an example of greatness.
In Honor of My Grandpa, Mark Schwendiman
As a little girl I waited eagerly in a cramped and crowded car
To see the signs for a turn we’d make, sometimes it seemed so far.
The turn would lead to a quiet farm that would normally go unseen,
But as years have passed I’ve realized, it’s value is supreme.
It’s not the rocks nor the gravel and dirt, but the history that ground holds
For my grandpa has known that simple farm since he was one day old.
His life has been a legacy, molded slowly through the years
He’s shaped his character daily through hard work, sweat, and tears.
In earlier times he would ride a horse to get from place to place
Fun times included baseball and friends, and maybe an occasional race.
Laughter was hushed when silently death took away his mother
At eight years old I’m sure he missed her, and loved her like no other.
Courageously he carried on with his Dad and siblings too,
Life on a farm yielded no time to rest, always plenty of work to do.
He grew and learned at school and home the value of work and play,
And learned from example to read and serve, and pray to God each day.
When school was done and the boy was grown, he accepted a mission call
To preach and teach in the western states, spreading hope and love for all.
But the growing pains from boy to man weren’t over just quite yet
As a call to war was issued, he mustered courage and bravely went.
The horrors of war’s frontline were everywhere to see,
With love of country and not of self, a hero he would be.
A love of freedom burst in his heart and burns within him still,
Words can’t express the debt we owe, or the gratitude we feel.
Returning home, he set his sights on family and farming
Who knew young Louise would grow up to find the neighbor boy so charming.
They married and made the farmhouse their home, and soon the children came,
Five daughters, and two sons were born to carry the Schwendiman name.
Losing baby Mark in infancy helped them lean on heaven’s grace
And trust in God’s unfailing care that he was in a better place.
Through it all hard work became the staple of each day,
With cows to milk and crops to grow they knew no other way.
The fruits of their labors they soon would see as success came their way
The children grew up and one by one got married and moved away.
A new season in life opened up for them, they traveled from shore to shore
Each mission served and new trip taken left them wanting to see more.
The family kept growing, ‘Grandma and Grandpa’ they soon became
And in a world that quickly changes, at their home so much stayed the same
Like the fresh air, serenity and memories made around the kitchen table
Where delicious food was blessed and games were played, whenever we were able.
And now it seems another season has quickly come upon us,
As time has aged the man we love , we know a hero has been among us.
In his quiet way he’s shown us all where true strength and courage live
Like him we can fight for each noble cause, and hard work and service give.
Grandpa, Dad, Husband and Brother, thanks for showing us the way.
We rejoice to know through the Saviors’ plan we’ll see you again one day.
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