Henry Hansen Story
He was not a Preacher -- He taught far, far more. Mostly with his hands, intermingled with a few definitely sneaking up and friendly words. Camouflaged by a few hazy octaves, his was a cantankerous sort of love that actually resonated some fool thing inside as he took us all in.
He didn't have a degree -- And he let this make him feel inferior at times. But in reality he far, far, surpassed a degree with wisdom, having much more than a stamped, official looking piece of paper, and did at least as well as the rest of us.
Henry loved a joke on himself or others probably as much as any man whoever lived. And we didn't especially hear him laugh. We rather saw him perform it, mouth wide open, somewhat gasping in reverse, seemingly in the realms of ecstasy.
It was said about Henry that there were three ways of doing things. Heavens, he had far more ways than three. When Henry and one or more discussed how to do it, Henry simply had to have it his way. It was so much fun to see how he fought, cajoled and defended his way, and simply could not comprehend nor stand for any other way, that it was an absolute joy (during laughter) to (again) do it his way. And while Henry's way was usually not the best way, it was made best by the fact that he did far more for others than the rest of us. Especially (unknowns) when we were not with him. (The other two famous ways of doing things didn't count at all when it came to Henry).
Henry's work allowed him betimes to wander down the street, making other peoples' business his own. Some may have thought he was not all there, at first when he suddenly appeared talking, but they soon found out that he was and then some -- and marveled ... (Much like the rest of us, who still go over what he said and did).
I miss Henry at this time of year. This is made especially difficult by the fact that one day is about like another in this regard. The day he left hurts about the same as the the cussed days he was here. We'll be lucky to get a glimpse, let alone a tour, of his Mansion. But if we don't get to go see him, it won't be because of Henry's rules.
Terry and Fern [Smith] – July 23, 1997
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