There were many beautiful stories of life within my father, Warren V. Keller. I wish I had had a way to record them all. In 1995, I started, because I thought, "If love is unending, then love is also beginningless. Love is both before and after the line between the precipice of life and the precipice of paradise. "Let her through," my Daddy now asks with his unending love. Now, that Dad has crossed the precipice of paradise, I see the river of life backward, from the light, not toward the light. Thus, perhaps, another book is born.
The life and times of Warren V. Keller began in 1900 in Mason City, Nebraska. His precipice of paradise began October 9, 1999, three months and 20 days short of 100 years on the precipice of life. On January 29, 2000, he would have been 100. His experiences are interesting and reflect the great changes that have occurred in so many parts of our society in the 20th Century. Keller was a remarkable person who lived in remarkable times.
Warren V. Keller became interested in other people at a young age. After discovering that other people were intriguing, he dedicated his life of nearly 100 years, whether at home or at work, to provide service to others. He leaves a legacy of goodness and greatness.
At 99, Warren was honored by the Mayor of Grand Island, Nebraska, for his book. He personally signed copies for friends and relatives. Warren's many gifts will be very much a part of the new millennium, because he knew that the legacy of love is beginningless and endless.
When a free moment graces my writing desk, I write about the most meaningful person in life, my father. He and I hastened our steps to see one another as often as possible, or stay in touch by telephone and letters. In some ways Dad did it better, for example, when he sent me the love kit: a rubber band, a piece of candy, a tissue, a band-aid, and a penny. "We give love and receive love in many ways. The items contained within are symbols to show you that someone cares about you. 1. A rubber band to remind you of hugging and holding, those times when you wish to hold someone close to you. 2. A piece of candy to remind you to spread sweetness wherever you may go. 3. A tissue to dry a tear in your neighbor's eye. 4. A band-aid for healing hurt feelings; your own or someone else's. 5. A copper penny to remind you to share with others around you." With this love kit, he enclosed a brief greeting, "I Love you. May God Bless. Dad" My father gives me unconditional love. And I feel that love for him as well. In the twilight of his life, he radiates love. He unselfishly shares his special gift of love with those of us that need and seek it. Dad said he lives to love and loves to live. How many people could or would say this when the body begins to slow, options narrow, and peers ease on? One eye to the earth and one to the heavens, two hearts beat, as he and I walk near the eternal precipice of peace. If any of us are fortunate to have one such person in our existence in our lifetime, we travel a blessed journey of privilege and prosperity. The person in my life is my father. The face of innocence, serenity and divinity is how I saw my father when he sat at the kitchen table one day, waiting for me to grasp understanding of life. Could I read his mind when I looked at his face? I could.