Family weaves through tragedy toward joy

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Faith Lutheran’s Pastor Paul Schmeling’s sudden death from a fall on Memorial Day left his family grieving. But they are not wallowing in that grief. Wife Beth and her two daughters say Paul’s legacy gives them the strength and faith to carry on. One daughter, Caralyn, is to be married Friday at the church.

“Through Paul, I have so many blessings,” Beth said last week. “He was my partner, my pastor and he had a special gift of teaching. My deep faith came from him…I want to concentrate on those blessings. God will equip me for the path ahead.”

Said Caralyn about her upcoming marriage: “Dad dies, I’m getting married. It’s surreal. I’m numb and my emotions are swirling. I feel like I’m growing up fast. I’ve learned that life is not at all what you dream it will be.

“I expected Dad to walk down the aisle with me when I got married, to give me away. But not everyone has the privilege of having that happen, and I won’t either.”

Caralyn’s older brother Ben, also a minister, will take her father’s place and officiate her wedding. Another brother Andy will walk her down the aisle.

Beth, Caralyn and Amy Bryant, Beth’s other daughter, also talk about Paul’s towering influence and how they’re coping with his absence.

Read the complete story in the June 10 print edition of the River Falls Journal.

Tags: accidental death, lifestyle