Page 250 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman

JUDY K JOHNSON

interests and accomplishments. This display was surrounded by
beautiful floral arrangements and above it all, a magnificent portrait
of Harley.
A musical group was positioned to the right at the front of the
chapel. They were lead by Harley's own music instructor, reknown
guitarist, Van Wilks. The service proceeded with a blend of speakers,
Kate Strause, Harley's cousin, Kimberly Aguillard, former President
of the Naional Federation of the Blind of Texas, and Pastor Brad
Highum, Pastor at Abiding Love Lutheran Church, recounting the
impeccable character of Harley and moments of musical revery and
contemplation. Kayla Jean Strause, Harley's second cousin, read bible
passages. Tyler McCumber honored Harley's memory in song. The
spiritual feeling circulating within this space expressed adoration,
loss, and commitment of honor.

At one poignant moment, Van Wilks, accompanied by other
musicians, performed a guitar melody that Harley had actually
composed himself—creating a moment of intense focus with
everyone present dwelling on each and every note as it was intended
by Harley for each and every one present to feel. This original song,
once played by Harley to entertain, relax, and comfort family
members and friends, would continue to reach out to touch, and sooth
the hearts of everyone feeling his loss.

Chapel pews were filled to overflowing with people from the many
organizations that Harley had so faithfully served. Overflow mourners
stood along the aisles, at the back of the chapel, and out in the foyer.
Several groups were represented—significantly those knowing him
through his fight for a cure for kids with cancer, and youth living with
blindness. Everyone saw in each others faces the sadness and loss
which they felt so grievously within themselves. These two
communities don't often have reason to attend events together but, in
this case, they now recognized that adoration they each felt for
Harley's commitment to their own cause was notably identical with
everyone present. Attendees, some unfamiliar with each other, now
felt united on this occasion to express identical, deep feelings of loss.
Both communities were striving to hold on to all their glowing,
auspicious memories and connections to Harley at the center of their
own experiences.
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