Tuesday: Chapel at Trail Ridge

This morning I met an incredibly kind and genuine man named Roger. When Holly and I walked into Trail Ridge he immediately greeted us, introducing us to the speaker of the day, and welcoming us into the chapel. We arrived probably 10 minutes before 9:00 and at first we were 2 of very few people in the chapel, however it filled up rapidly and soon all the seats were taken.
I really noticed how kind and cheerful all the residents are. They seemed so thrilled to have us as guests, and Roger introduced us when chapel began. The audience all smiled at us and gave us a round of applause. They recited out loud the verse "This is the day the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." I am just delighted by their enthusiasm with life.
The people around us talked to us about college, hometowns, and life at Trail Ridge. When they spoke, they were so full of joy; I could really sense God's love through them.
The speaker, Glen Jorgenson, gave a talk about his mission in life. He's pretty old by now and he has a very interesting story to share. He first talked about the importance of integrity. As a young boy, he watched his dad give somebody 2 pennies for giving him a postage stamp. Whether or not 2 cents was much back then, his message about integrity is very meaningful. It makes me wonder if I'm living a life of integrity or if integrity is an area that needs a ton of work.
Next Mr. Jorgenson said that he was born when he was 40 years old. Prior to that he had lived a selfish life, coining a term he calls "Big Me." After suffering from alcoholism and finding grace and God through AA (he turned to AA when his wife gave him the ultimatum that either he found help or she and the kids would be gone), he headed to Kansas for a new job. However, on his way he felt God telling him to go back to SD and help others with addictions.
With nothing more than faith (which is perhaps more than anything), Mr. Jorgenson turned his car around and he and his wife established a treatment center in Pierre called River Park. Funded totally on donations (to avoid government money that would lead to regulations which could interfere with God's will for the new program), River Park has helped thousands of people with drug addictions and their families. He emphasized how important it is to help families of people through hard times. Often it seems that people hurt just as bad as their loved one who is struggling through a trial. River Park provides hope and understanding for the families as well as the people in treatment.
Mr. Jorgenson has other cool tidbits about his life too (as if helping so many people isn't cool enough): during the time he worked at River Park, he got acquainted with Johnny Cash and Dick Van Dyke!
Mr. Jorgenson advised us that when we encounter addictions, something must be done. Trying to avoid the reality of the addiction will not resolve it; action must be taken. That seems like really good advice to remember.
And after suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis and being diagnosed with Stage IV cancer (8 years ago!), he and his wife now finish their prayers with, "Whatever, God." That takes such trust. To tell the God of the universe and all matter that I will totally trust Him no matter what He has happen is of course ideal, yet it takes utmost trust that even the worst worldly experiences are in preparation for a much greater prize. I'm sure it's relieving to wrap up prayer by handing it all over to God.
After the half hour chapel service and receiving thanks from the residents for attending (I thought we should be thanking them!), Mr. Fredrickson (Roger) pulled up a chair next to Holly and me. He asked us about our families, education goals, and just spent a few minutes getting to know us.
I am amazed by his sincerity and deep care for people. After knowing us for only a few moments, Mr. Fredrickson prayed for us and asked God to guide us in our futures (and he is obviously a very intent listener, because he prayed specifically about stuff we had told him).
Mr. Fredrickson seems to be a wonderful example of love. He advised us to keep learning throughout our entire lives. He realizes that while in school we are pretty busy reading assigned material, but he said that reading is one way he continues to expand his education continually. He also leads or is involved with several local ministries, and I could tell he must gain fulfillment from those experiences. He is very grateful for his experiences and opportunities, and he is utterly content with each and every day.
Visiting with Mr. Fredrickson was a highly satisfying conversation. He has so much love and care to share with the world; what a role model!
I hope that when I'm 89 I will be as positive and considerate as Mr. Fredrickson. I better start working on that now ;)
P.S. Two old ladies (excuse me, older women at Trail Ridge) had nicer running shoes than I have! They're active old buggers :) And they are all friendly....very cool morning.