EDITORIAL: SUDDEN LOSS OFFERS POWERFUL REMINDERS

The greater Freeman community is feeling the sting and impact of sudden loss this week following the automobile accident that claimed the life of Dennis Schrock Sunday night. Schrock died at the intersection of 280th St. and S.D. Highway 19 when the westbound vehicle he was driving collided with a southbound minivan. He died at the scene, according to a report from the Department of Public Safety. He was 71.

It seems impossible, because Schrock carried with him a larger-than-life personality that made an impact wherever he went — in school, in church, in his most recent place of employment, on the pages of The Courier, and certainly with his family. This one hurts, because so many knew and loved Schrock, and because he influenced so many people in immeasurable ways.

Tragedies like this one prompt introspection and perspective and offer reminders of the value of life and what is truly important. Like …

If somebody has done something positive or made an impact on your life, however big or small, let them know. It might make the difference between a good and a bad day — for both of you;

Say “I love you” often. You don’t know when you won’t get another chance;

Soak in those golden moments with friends and family — that great meal or that beautiful sky or that inspiring conversation or the assurance that comes with knowing that this world is tough and nobody is in it alone;

Don’t yell. Debate? Sure. But losing your cool and getting loud simply isn’t worth it in the larger scheme of things. Life is too short to spend time angry. Just ask those who are in their final days;

Apologize, accept apologies and move on;

Be a productive member of your community by doing good work, saying nice things, lifting people up and not taking yourself too seriously. Dennis Schrock did those things, and that’s the legacy he has left behind.

There are lessons in loss. Let’s make that Dennis Schrock’s final gift.

Jeremy Waltner, Editor & Publisher