I never had the pleasure of meeting Bernie Olcheski, yet somehow I feel very close to him. I know very little about his life, but I feel I know him very well. I never heard his voice, yet somehow it resonates in my soul. I never saw his face, but I know it was a picture of kindness. We never went out to lunch, never spent any time together, never stood face to face, but we were bound together by common interests.

I knew Bernie through his grandson, Jason Thompson. Jason helped to build The Garden of Life here in Windsor Park. He was an essential part of Ed Kopec’s crew from Edwards Garden Center. As I write these words I can see his million dollar smile, and I can feel the warmth of his ways. More than anything, I remember that one sentence he spoke about his grandfather on a hot afternoon in May:
“You should meet my grandfather. You two would like one another.”

Jason and his sister, Heather, were raised by Bernie and his wife, Gerri. That’s something that is very common these days, grandparents raising their children’s children. In this case it was a medical emergency and the premature death of Jason’s mom that visited this responsibility on Bernie and Gerri.

In our county, 49 percent of all grandparents are raising their children’s children.

If Jason Thompson is the measure of Bernie Olcheski, then one can say with absolute certainty that he was a man of warmth, intelligence, kindness, gratitude, service and generosity of spirit.

Once he discovered our show, Bernie was a Windsor Park Stories regular. He followed the show faithfully, and sent evaluations after every broadcast. His words reflect the heart and soul of the man.

In his first note he shared some of Jason’s family history. He told me he was camera shy. He preferred to share his story face to face without cameras and atmospheric lights. In that note, he used the word “kindness” twice, and he expressed his concern about “the loss of morals in our society.”

His note ended: “May you and your wife have a great day today.”

In another note he wrote: “We have not yet had the opportunity to meet you and your wife, but we feel as though we are already friends.”

When I asked him to share the words he would associate with life, he was quick to respond: “Serenity, Compassion, Forgiveness.” In another note he added the word “Sharing.” All four words have a prominent place in The Garden of Life.

In April he clearly defined our life work when he wrote: “It’s great to hear from you and see you’re so meaningfully dedicated to promoting the joys and blessings of real life.”

“We enjoy your excellent programming.”

In June after my operation, he shared his concern: “We haven’t heard from you since your operation on June 12. Sure hope that all is well with you and your wife.”

When Kitch responded late that night, Bernie’s words were thoughtful and consoling: “May God bless you and your husband in all that you do and we will continue to pray for his speedy recovery.”

“God watches over good people. We are glad to hear that Mr. Mussari is home and doing well.”

In late June the nature, but not the tone of Bernie’s letters changed: “We did really plan on coming to the festival, but some serious health problems have developed and I don’t know where I will be in July.”

“Just can’t take too much for granted in this world, but just knowing that you and your wife will be praying for me will help me to carry on.”

At the end of June, the kindness and gentleness of this good and decent man was recorded in this note: “ We’re glad that God was watching over you throughout this most serious encounter. May you and your wife enjoy many years of good health and happiness to be able to continue all the good that you do for everyone that you get involved with.”

On July 2, he wrote of his disappointment when Windsor Park Stories was not broadcast: “We missed your show on Sunday. Sure hope you are feeling well.”

Nine days later these beautiful words came from Bernie’s heart:
“Thank you for all your kind notes and friendship, but presently I am running out of time and options if that has not already happened. Your prayers will be appreciated as it appears as though only a miracle could save me now.”

I begged St. Michael for that miracle. Ever night I prayed harder and more sincerely than ever before.

Ten days before Bernie met his tomorrow, he wrote these words:
“Thank You Mr. Mussari.”

“Thank you for your kind offer of friendship…May God bless you and your wife in all that you do.”

These are the last words I read from Bernie’s hand.

Bernie Olcheski is a man I never met. He is a man I admired and respected. He is a man who gave me hope and inspiration even as he was losing strength.

I never heard his voice. I never saw his face. I don’t know how old he was or where he lived. I do know that I loved him in all the ways that matter in life.

His kindness, his compassion, his caring spirit, his affirmation form a mosaic of goodness that has no rival.

I will miss his notes and his beautiful words, but I believe he is alive in the people he touched in life. He is alive in me, and I intend to carry his message close to my heart for the rest of my days.

Someone once wrote that some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty- they merely move it from their faces to their hearts.

Bernie Olcheski moved beautiful thoughts from his heart to my heart, and, in so doing, he gave me a gift of friendship and love that will last forever.

“God watches over good people like Bernie Olsheski. We are glad to know that he is home in heaven and doing well.”

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