Friday, May 23, 2014
It is with sadness that we the former Crew members of the USS MARS AFS-1 extend to you and your family our deepest sympathy. Those of us who knew Frank found him to be a man of great understanding and compassion for a job well done. He always had a story to tell us and was always there to take wonderful pictures aboard our ship and later at our many reunions. He had a wonderful sense of humor as well. In the Scripture, the Apostle Paul writes “the time of my departure is at hand". He uses a specific Greek word for "departure" which means to step upon a ship that has been especially prepared and ladened for this one particular journey. When Frank walked on to the ship for his journey, his family and his friends here were saddened to see him go. As they stood on this shore watching his ship sail away, they grieved for they loved him and they will miss him greatly. They watched with heavy hearts until his ship disappeared over the horizon. But we all know that ships don't "disappear" as they cross the horizon. They continue on to a distant shore. And on that distant shore waiting, are the loved ones and friends of Frank, waiting for his ship to arrive, eager to welcome him Home. His parents, other relatives, and dear friends who had gone ahead were watching and waiting and Oh, what a time of rejoicing there was, when his ship arrived. Keep this thought in your heart, now saddened by Frank's Home going. Whenever you actually see a ship at sea, perhaps on the distant horizon or see a picture of a ship at sea on television, in a magazine, or hanging on someone's wall, take a moment to remember the joy of Frank's arrival on that "other shore" and let your heart be comforted. Sincerely, Art Sweetland Plank Owner
