In memory of Greg Shindelbower
(January 11, 1954 - August 4, 2004)

I made this image of a roadside Cross near Fayetteville, TN, traveling home the day after my brother’s funeral.  He died on August 4, 2004 of liver cancer at the age of 50.  This photo reminds me of the times we spent traveling around the back roads of Kentucky looking for photo opportunities; these are some of my fondest memories of being with him.

Greg has been described as a simple man, someone who was always there to lend a helping hand and asked for nothing in return.  I know that this saying has become cliché – but Greg was the real thing and lived each day observing this selfless personality trait.  He did not use “flowery” language but always spoke honestly and directly from the heart.  Another way of saying this is that you knew where he stood on the issues and how he felt about you.  Do not mistake this to mean that he was opinionated or closed minded – far from it.  He just did not believe in saying what the other person wanted to hear just to appease them.  He would let you know what he believed in (if you asked) and then did not sit in judgment if you disagreed - a rare character trait to have in this day and age. 

During the funeral, Rev. Greg Gallaher spoke of Greg’s courage and confidence in his faith in Jesus Christ.  The closer the time came for Greg to go Home, the stronger his faith became.  So many people boast of their faith and brag about the church activities they are involved in – but do so under the guise of knowing that they are healthy and secure in that fact that nothing bad “should” happen to them.  I wonder how their faith would be tested if they were told that they had 8 months to a year to live?  Would they fall into a deep depression?  Become totally self-centered and mean?  Go on an extended drinking binge?  Or do as Greg did – become even closer to Jesus Christ?  By the way, Greg only lived 4 1/2 months after he was diagnosed with liver cancer.

Greg left behind a loving wife (JoyAnna), who had to juggle the responsibilities of being a wife, mother, and professional woman; eventually having to move her business to their home – a tremendous sacrifice!  Their 8-year-old son Daniel is a bright, intelligent boy, who now has the burden of growing up without his biological father.  I know that Greg did not fear death, but was concerned that he would not be able to grow old with the two people he loved the most.  The only complaint I heard he ever made was, “It is not fair?”  I cannot tell you how heavy my heart becomes knowing that my brother will not see his son graduate from college.  He spoke of his son’s love of the military and how he would like to see him attend West Point.  I fight back my emotions over this issue by remembering Greg’s faith during his last days on earth.  During his Communion, he prayed for Joy Anna, Daniel and his church.  It was such a simple, honest prayer of surrender that it deeply moved Rev. Gallaher.  Total belief that he is going to a better place and that Jesus Christ was in control and knew what was best for him and everyone concerned.  I keep telling myself - Who am I to question God’s decision?

I have posted the above photo in memory of my brother Greg and the love that I have for him.   I have been so blessed to have known him as my brother.

The symbolism of this image is that the Cross represents the fact that Jesus Christ saved Greg’s life - John 5:24 (RSV), "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life."  The truck and U-Haul represents all the people that Greg has touched in his life.  We all will move on with our lives having to cope with the loss of this good man.

The message of this photo is that when you are traveling down life’s highways and back roads remember the things that truly matter – your loved ones and the memories that you’ve shared.  Also, keep The Cross and what Jesus Christ did for you, central in your life.  God is LOVE and Jesus Christ truly does Save.  Please pray for JoyAnna and Daniel – that they find Peace in the painful adjustment period without Greg.  I will miss him very much.  (Eric Shindelbower - August 14, 2004)

A Psalm of David 23:4-6. (RSV)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.