Thor: More Than Meets the Eye

August 23, 2011

This past Sunday, August 21, 2011, Thor Odin Swenson left this earthly world and moved onto the heavenly one. There are so many things I could say about this situation, so many that I want to say that there is no possible way it could be cohesive, therefore it is just going to be said.

When I woke up Monday I was laying in bed thinking about the whole situation. I was reflecting back on times with Thor, mostly on why Thor was such an influence on my life and why did his death hit me so hard. I had cried just as much as, if not more than, when my grandfather passed away a year ago.

I met Thor in 2008, so I knew him for only 3 years. I was told that when I met him he was walking and talking a decent amount and didn’t have a wheelchair but for some reason, I don’t remember any of that. I remember the whole 3 years, just not him out of his wheelchair. He got his wheelchair after he hurt his leg I believe in 2009. The Thor I remember is the one I always helped in his chair, spoon-fed his food and meds, sat next to while watching tv or reading a book, helped walk across the room for exercise, and many other things assisting him with. But I think Thor assisted ME with more than I could ever assist HIM with. While he wasn’t assisting me with the physical aspect of life, it was with something so much deeper. Just as the woman who touched Christ’s cloak was healed, anyone who got too close to Thor also was healed in some aspect. I got too close. I was sucked in. I was getting healed and I loved it. I couldn’t get enough.

In times of sadness, loneliness and even in joy Thor was the one I went to. He didn’t say anything to help me. He didn’t give me any long embrace. He would just sit next to me. It is really something that is so indescribable. Only those who knew Thor (or possibly someone like him) could really understand. The more time I spent with Thor, the more I began to learn about myself. He taught me without speaking. He taught me without even moving. Just by being himself: the Thor with Down’s Syndrome and all his hardships, weaknesses, vulnerablilities, etc. Many would say what is the point? He can’t do anything! But no! He did so much more than anyone else! He healed me more than any doctor, therapist or new age person ever could. God uses the weak to shame the strong, uses the foolish to shame the wise (1 Cor 1:27).

I had looked for healing in so many different places… I know that many of them played a part. But I know for a fact that Thor was a GIANT fact in my healing process. He was there when I needed him. He was my solid friend. I could tell secrets to him and he wouldn’t tell! I loved his smiles, I knew they were genuine. I know, most of all, that he loved ME for ME. I didn’t have to be fake. I didn’t have to pretend. I could just be… me. That is what he taught me the most.

Thor gave me the gift of himself. He trusted me with his soul and his body to take care of him. Then when it was time for me to move to a new milestone in life at L’Arche, I still took a piece of him with me. Because he was such a gift in my life and helped me so much, I was prepared to take this next step to help more “Thor’s” and let me be a gift to them and them be gifts to me also.

Even though it’s been almost 3 months since I’ve seen him in Arizona, it’s still difficult. I feel like it was just yesterday since I was there. I feel like he was my big brother. I love him dearly. And it’s also hard to let go. I don’t want to be selfish. But… it’s just hard. I want to be happy that he is free… free of the physical chains that bound him. That he is now the FULLEST Thor he was meant to be. Then, that brings me to another thought… If I (along with many others) loved him THAT much with all those disabilities here on earth, how much more will we love him as the fullest Thor he is meant to be in heaven without the sicknesses due to fallen nature? Wow! It makes me long for heaven even more!

Thor Odin Swenson, Sweener the Weiner, Bu-bu- bu- bu- bu- buddddyy, I love you! And will miss you dearly.