Gone But Not Forgotten

I woke up at around 2:30 this morning and realized that exactly three years ago at this time, I discovered you had gone. It still feels unreal, but it isn’t. My life changed forever in an instant. But, because of God’s grace and mercy, I have survived. I still occasionally listen to the two voicemails from you I have on my phone just to hear your voice. I see old pictures and smile as I remember.  The tears don’t come as often or as quick as they used to, but the emptiness is still there.

God has blessed me with the opportunity to spend a lot of time with the boys.  So many times I see you in them and it brings me comfort. Joseph certainly has your love for Southern Rock and the songs he grew up listening to you play on the radio and with your band buddies in the basement. Much of his iTunes is filled with those very songs. Michael has your talent for building and is using your tools in his new career in building houses. Like you, he sees it in his head and figures out how to make it with his hands. Brian definitely has your quick wit, sense of humor and thirst for knowledge. He and I have conversations that remind me of ones we used to have. And they all three do all they can to look after me and love me just the way you taught them to.

So even though you are gone, you are never forgotten. You built such an amazing legacy that will forever live on through the boys and their children.  As I reflect on our lives together, I realize  God certainly knew what He was doing when He brought you into my life 42 years ago. I am thankful for the time we had together and the life we shared, the good times and the hard times. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know you will forever be in my heart. These are the words I would say if you were here.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  II Corinthians 1:3-4