Goodbye Old Friend

I sat today at the memorial service of Kevin's uncle, and I became very much aware of the brevity of life. I also learned a lot about how different cultures do memorial services, but that there is a basic truth, that truth being the Word in scripture. It's interesting the things that one can observe in situations like these. I was shocked that sweet Aunt Doris could not remember Kevin's passing. Don't get me wrong, I get it. She is at the age that I say anything is okay. But again the brevity of time. Elbie's brother Bob, I think while put on a front, seemed really sad. He normally is really light and carefree. His face was sad. My how things change when the heart is heavy. What an incredible talent though. God gifted him greatly with the ability to paint. Pop- geesh, I have such an affection and respect for him. It is kind of like I can see these guys as they really are. I mean that is the way it was with Kevin as well. There is just something about the heart. I just know that one of these days I may be looking at this great man not being there anymore, and I can't even imagine that right now. He has been such a cheerleader for me even in the most impossible of situations. I saw kids today that were toddlers when I came to Wisconsin. Now they are all grown up with kids of their own. Nancy's son Nathan was in his fatigues, and just brought out such a respect in me. (and not just because of the uniform) He has grown into a man. The girls-somedays I think we could be like the three amigos in the movies. Wendy's wisdom and heart, Brenda-she has such life in those eyes. She still reminds me of her mom. And then there is Elbie. What first impressed me about this man is along with pop and his brother Bob, this man had a solid tenor voice that could interpret music just as well as the pros. I thought he hated me at first, because I didn't understand the man. If I would've only thought, anyone who could interpret music like that had to have a heart of gold. And those Elbie hugs. What a sweet sweet man. I could never leave his place without getting one of those hugs. When I visited him over at the nursing home last week to take the pic of Kevin and me, we visited a while, and he made sure I knew that I was family, and for sure he gave me one of those great Elbie hugs. (God had to know that I would need Elbie just for that) Because I am a hugger. Goodbye old friend. I will be there for your military funeral, but I want you to know you will be missed. You helped make this woman's stay in Wisconsin more special just by the fact that you were here.