Dear Mary and Theresa,
I knew your Daddy best when we were both in 4th grade together and were neighbors. He lived in a small, white one-story house beyond my back yard in Tennessee. I had just moved to town and he was one of the first friends I met. He was always friendly like that, even at a young age. I remember we would take turns trying to jump off the roof of his
one-story house onto the grass below, until we would eventually get in trouble for it. He was braver than I, and he must have been practicing even back then for the time when he would eventually join the Navy Search and Rescue team and jump out of helicopters into the ocean below. Your Dad moved away from that house soon after, but I never forgot that time in my childhood and I sometimes still drive by that little white house and smile when I return home for a visit. Maybe you can see it someday if you haven’t already.
Your Daddy had a special gift. I lost track of him in my later growing up years, but had reconnected with him in the last few years through Facebook. He had a special way of always encouraging everyone and just appreciated and loved life! I never saw him without a smile. Many people do not achieve that in their entire lifetime. And he was most proud of both of you. His strong and encouraging spirit will always be with you both, cheering you on, just like he always did. And you can be most proud of him too!
For those of us who enjoyed his Facebook postings of both of you, we would love to continue seeing your pictures and hearing about your activities as you grow up! May God bless you both.
Romans 12:6-8
We each have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
