DaytonDailyNews.com

It was a bitter cold morning, Jan. 20, when about 25 people gathered in front of a casket covered by an American flag on the grounds of Dayton's National Cemetery for U.S. Veterans at 4100 W. Third St.

As the wind shifted and an occasional sob could be heard, final prayers were offered for Jeffrey Fisher of Huber Heights, who served his country as a sailor, spent 18 years delivering the U.S. mail in the Huber Heights area, and devoted his young life to being a kind neighbor, good friend, and devoted family man.

He had waged a five-month battle with aggressive pancreatic cancer. He was 40.

Fisher's wife, Michelle, was holding tight the flag neatly folded and presented to her by a military honor guard, who thanked her for her husband's service to his country. "These honors and wishes come from Barack Obama, the commander in chief, the president of the United States," the officer said.

Fisher's memorial service was just ending as Obama was delivering his inaugural speech, faintly heard on a car radio of a cemetery vehicle parked a few yards away from those departing the service.

Mrs. Fisher paused, looked up and softly said to me, "Please thank everyone who has been so kind in addressing our loss. People have reached out with love. We appreciate it so much. And I know Jeff does too."

Jeff had made a special list of things he wanted to accomplish while he still had life and breath. He called it his bucket list, an idea from the 2007 movie by that name about two men diagnosed with terminal cancer.

An engaging man with a glowing smile, Jeff read off his list; a holiday trip to London and Paris, a sky dive, and a softball game with his friends.

With help from customers on his route, friends and neighbors, his wife and his teenage son Allyn, Jeff accomplished most of his list just before his strength gave out shortly before Christmas.

With his wife at his side, he lost his battle on Jan. 16.

His last months were happy and sad, he explained.

"Cancer opened my eyes so much. I wish I had lived my whole life filled which such joy," he said. "You don't comprehend how beautiful life is ... until you realize the clock is ticking."

My column on the love story of Jeff and Michelle and his positive attitude inspired a large number of letters, e-mails, and family conversations across the Miami Valley.

Father Terry Meehan of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Monroe plans to use the story as the basis for his homily Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7-8.

Jean Ryan, a church member and friend of Meehan's, sent along the sermon with his blessing:

"The challenge is to see suffering as an invitation to healing our alienation from God and from our neighbor. In the face of suffering we can wallow in self-pity and alienate ourselves from God and others around us. But there's another option open to us. This is the path that Jeff Fisher and others have taken in inviting God into their suffering to bring about a new awareness of God's love and appreciation for those around them."

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas.

Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.