Dr. Merle Edward Hamburger
Dr. Merle Edward Hamburger of Lilburn, GA, born March 1, 1966, died on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 after a several year battle with pancreatic cancer. Merle’s life was dedicated to the development of good character, strong values, and positive self-image of today’s youth.
His work at the Centers for Disease Control focused on preventing youth and domestic violence. As a black belt in the martial arts, he taught students courage, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit at Northeast Tae Kwon Do and American Karate Productions.
Merle was also active in adult leader training for the Boy Scouts of America and an involved leader of the youth at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett.
Merle Was An Inspirational Man
Merle maintained a blog that detailed his journey with pancreatic cancer. His humor while facing this ruthless disease gives inspiration to others that will have to fight this battle. We invite you all to read his blog and you will indeed feel the strength, wisdom, light-hearted attitude that Merle epitomized.
His Blog: http://www.merlehamburger.net
This is a story that Merle loved to tell.......
A minister was living in a St. Louis suburb that had recently been inundated with a lot of rain. In fact, his town was flooded. At first, the water was only to his waist and a person came by in a boat. The person called out to the minister, “Preacher! Jump into the boat and I will take you to safety!” The minister smiled and shook his head saying, “Thank you my son, but I have faith in the Lord. He will save me. Go help someone else.” Not wanting to argue with the minister, the man moves on.
And the water rises…
The water rose so much that the minister had to climb on top of his house to avoid it. Another man comes by in another boat and says, “Preacher, climb into the boat and I will carry you to safety.” The minister again shook his head and says, “I have faith in the Lord. My God will save me! You go help others!” The man shook his head, but relented to the minister’s request.
And the water rises…
Eventually the minister has to stand on his tippy toes in order to continue breathing and a helicopter with a ladder dangling from it comes to his rescue. Over the PA system, the pilot called to the minister, “Grab onto the ladder and I will fly you to safety!” The minister shouted back, “My God will save me. Help those who are in greater need!” As he was running low on fuel, the pilot decided not to argue with the minister and goes onto the next house.
And the water rises…and the minister drowns.
The minister gets to Heaven and goes before God and says, “Holy Father! I have been your faithful servant for more than 20 years. Why, in my time of need, did you not help me?”
God looked at the minister and said, “I sent 2 boats and a helicopter! What more did you want??”
"Good Night Sweet Prince,
May a flight of angels sing
thee to thy rest"
~ William Shakespeare
