"Amazing Grace" by Duane Quint

I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other, and life revolved around hard work and family. Some of my earliest memories are of picking potatoes with my siblings. It was tough work, especially as a child. Mornings were cold, and sometimes I’d cry from the chill, but it was just part of what we did—it was a family effort. As the oldest, I felt the weight of responsibility. Galen and I believed we had it harder because, by the time the younger ones came along, some of the old ways had faded. But that was just how life worked in our family. Through these early hardships, I developed a resilience that carried me through the challenges of life, including raising my own children and grandchildren, offering them guidance and love through their own struggles.

Childhood Adventures and Lessons

Summers provided a break from farm work, and I always looked forward to visiting my grandmother in Greenfield. She and Grandpa would take us to the fair in Bangor. The first few days were thrilling, but by the end of the week, homesickness set in. No matter how exciting the fair was, nothing compared to home. Still, those trips taught me something about independence, even at a young age.

I spent most of my childhood outdoors, no matter the season. In the winter, I would put on my snowshoes and disappear for the entire day, exploring. Looking back, I wonder what my mother thought. She probably worried, but she never let on. I started those adventures around the age of nine or ten, and I loved the freedom they brought. Of course, I also did some foolish things—like the time my friends and I took an old horse-drawn wagon and rode it down Ben Hill. Royce was steering in the front, but when a car came up behind us, he jerked the wagon to the side, and we all went tumbling. We laughed—until Royce came down harder than we had. We got lucky that day.

School, on the other hand, wasn’t as enjoyable. From first grade onward, I was scared—not of the teachers or the other kids, as no one ever bullied me, but of speaking up, of being noticed. I never invited friends over and kept to myself a lot. It wasn’t until I got married that something shifted. Suddenly, I wasn’t as afraid anymore. It was like a switch flipped inside me, and I realized I could stand on my own.

Love, Family, and Faith
Meeting my wife, Bonnie, was one of the greatest moments of my life. She was my partner, my rock. Together, we built a home filled with love, laughter, and understanding. Parenting brought its own set of challenges, but we raised our children with the same values I had been taught—honesty, kindness, and hard work. Watching them grow into responsible, compassionate people has been one of my greatest joys. My children and grandchildren have faced their own challenges, and as a father and grandfather, I have done my best to support and guide them through life’s ups and downs.

Faith has always been a guiding force in my life. Pastor Marilyn played a significant role in strengthening my faith, helping me see the importance of trust and perseverance. One of my favorite books, The Purpose Driven Life, resonated deeply with me, reinforcing my belief that we are all here for a reason. My faith carried me through difficult times, providing peace and direction. My favorite hymn, Amazing Grace, has always been a source of comfort, reminding me of the power of redemption and love.

Friendship and Support
Close friendships have also been a cherished part of my journey. My bond with Bob and Angela has been a source of strength and joy. We shared countless conversations, laughter, and moments of deep understanding. True friends are rare, and I am grateful for their unwavering support.

Family has always been my anchor. Holidays, birthdays, and Sunday dinners weren’t just traditions; they were the glue that kept us connected. No matter how busy life got, we always found time for each other, and that is something I will always cherish. There is comfort in knowing that no matter what happens, family will always be there.

Wisdom and Legacy
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life is to listen. Just listen. Be patient, and don’t assume you know it all. Whether it’s your grandkids, your kids, or a stranger, you gain more from truly hearing them than from trying to prove what you think you know. I’ve learned that I must listen with patience and genuine concern, never placing myself above the person speaking. We never fully know where someone is coming from or what they’ve been through. And above all, I’ve realized that I must avoid judgment. Sometimes, I think I know the answer, but if I stop and reflect, I often don’t. God reminds me of that constantly.

When I think about how I want to be remembered, it’s simple. I want my family to know how much I love them. I’ve put them above all else, second only to God. I want them to always feel that they can come to me, no matter what the situation is. My greatest hope is that they throw out the negativity in life, focus on being good people, and cherish the memories we’ve built together.

As I near the later chapters of my journey, I want my loved ones to understand that I am never truly gone. My body may leave, but my spirit will always be with them. I want them to smile, to laugh, and to remember the good times. We’ve planned for the practicalities of the end, but I don’t want them to dwell on that. I hope I’ve made a positive impact, and I trust they will carry on the love and wisdom we’ve shared. Life moves forward, and I want them to live it fully. As I look ahead, I find joy in the next chapter of my life—welcoming great-grandchildren. They have already changed everything in the best way, filling our family with even more love and laughter. They remind me that life keeps moving forward, bringing new blessings with each generation.

A Life of Gratitude
Reflecting on my life, I feel grateful. Grateful for the people I’ve met, the experiences I’ve had, and the lessons I’ve learned. Life isn’t always perfect, but it is always meaningful. And for that, I am thankful. Every challenge, every joy, every moment has shaped the person I am today. No regrets—only gratitude for the road I’ve traveled.

This is my story, my life’s review. It’s not just about what I did, but about who I became. And if my journey inspires even one person to live with purpose, love, and gratitude, then I consider it a life well lived.