Letter to the Editor

Harold Kuehle's words to live by - Either way, I win

To the editor:

When someone touches your heart, you remember it. The man who touched my heart was Harold Kuehle.

A few years ago we were participating in a program at Centenary United Methodist Church. When I entered the Family Life Center, there he was with his wife. Harold offered his hand for a good old Methodist handshake. He was always so warm and genuine, one of those people you gravitate toward because they make you feel good about yourself.

It was common knowledge that Wheels (his nickname) had used a wheelchair since a high school football accident. It was more common knowledge that he was not bitter about it. He gave much of himself to help others. And now the man was battling cancer. How could life deal two huge blows to such a good person?

During a program break, someone asked Wheels about his fight with cancer. This is the part I wish I could remember exactly. The gist was, "Either way, I win." He said that if God let him live, he would wake each day to the love and support of his wife and family and friends. He would appreciate the sunrise and sunset and all the complexities that make life what it is. And if God took him home, he would wake each day to the love and grace of his Heavenly Father. He would have his eternal reward for being a Christian.

Often since that moment years ago I have remembered and been comforted by Wheels' winning philosophy.

MARY MILLER

Jackson