Making every moment Independence Day

Published on July 30th, 2010

By JENNIFER GIBBINS

Colter Popelka, who fought a hard battle with muscular dystrophy, died at the age of 19 on his favorite day of the year, the Fourth of July.

According to the Popelka family, Eric Warga and Laurie Phillips, Colter loved to make people laugh, and also loved to make his parents cringe. From the time he was very little, he had an unfiltered way about him, always getting right to the heart of what everyone else really wanted to say, but also possessing a gift for seeing and appreciating the unique qualities of everyone around him. His message was "never give up" and "no is simply not an answer."

Colter was the architect of everything around him. Where others would say some project was too huge, or they were too tired, Colter was insistent, breaking it down into simple pieces saying "Well, all you need to do is this first, then that. What's the big deal," encouraging you to just tackle it one piece at a time.

He was also notoriously mischievous. Copper pennies mysteriously placed to short out a car's electrical system. Fast breaks down the school hallways while clipping over toes, and apparently some typical teenage boy humor that is better left not described.

Colter loved Chevys, picnics and trips out the road, four wheeling, definitely Star Wars, Led Zeppelin and his Converse sneakers. At the top of his list of favorite things was the tradition of lively family dinners, family meaning the Popelkas, Phillips, Wargas, Smiths Werner's, Hammer's and Platt's. And, hanging out in the neighborhood with the Kimber's and Nichol's families.

No Fords. No country music and above all -- no mayo.

In spite of realities and challenges that could have isolated both Colter and his family, they were fully immersed within the community. Colter's family wishes to honor Colter's life by expressing their appreciation to this community for making sure that this was always so; and for helping to make Colter's life exceptional.

Laurie Phillips and Janice Warga are known as "the can-do girls" in the Popelka's life. They just made things possible and included Colter in every activity imaginable.

From the time that Colter was first diagnosed, the school district went out of its way not just to make things easier, but to make things achievable. The school district searched for the right experts and brought them in from around the state. They were generous in accommodating requests and changes from his parents. Throughout Colter's education the teachers were exceptional. To mention a few, Patty Murphy, Lynn Hopkins and Lovie Werner. And last but certainly not least, Wendy Jacobsen who was instrumental in guiding Colter through the finish line to graduation.

Colter's classmates are exceptionally important because they grew up together and supported Colter tremendously, but all the kids in Cordova are credited with treating Colter with respect and kindness. And, in exchange for that they all learned at a very early age lessons of tolerance, patience, compassion and inspiration. Colter's family credits the adults in Cordova for leading the kids to see these things and for making all their lives here extremely enjoyable.

Kris Johnston and Sound Alternatives provided a care giving framework and all the support that Colter and his family needed, ensuring that his parents could balance the overall demands of daily life.

Cordova's volunteer EMT team and hospital staff were extraordinary according to the Popelka's. Cordova is so very fortunate to have such highly skilled and absolutely compassionate volunteers.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association was instrumental in Colter's life. And the Cordova Moose Lodge helped to make some basic necessities a reality.

Cordova has been so very thoughtful in every way.

Since the day Colter was diagnosed, the Popelka's goal has always been to make sure that Colter's quality of life stood out. The legacy they wish to share is humor, inspiration and above all the caring and compassion from Cordova that made Colter's wonderful life possible.

"Let the sun beat down upon my face

And stars to fill my dream

I am a traveler of both time and space

To be where I have been"

Led Zeppelin