Because of You

Thinking of you this week Pop, hard to believe you left us four years ago, I miss you-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4nrZ6giJTM

Marc Benner

Dear Marc,
I'm so glad to have had some time to hang out with you in the last few years. I enjoyed getting to know the kind, loving and optimistic man that you became since we were in school together. It's truly amazing how fast our lives pass us by.

I'm praying for you tonight; for God's comfort and peace as your time draws near to enter into His presence. I'll pray also for your children and family, I know how much you loved them. I know they will miss you so much, and that they will have many unanswerable questions in the days and years to come.

 

 I grew to love you like a brother, and I will miss the time that we won't get to spend together. I pray that God's love, grace and peace will be with you. I bid you a very fond farewell my friend. 
 

With love,
-Chris

The Second Death

Three years ago today you left us...Groundhog Day of all days.

We all miss you tonight Pop. Your beautiful wife misses you. Your grandchildren miss you. All your children miss you…and I miss you.

Anyone who has been on this earth for any length of time has become familiar with death, or the loss of someone you love; whether it’s a distant relative, a close family member or friend. This is death…”the first death”.

I’ve heard it said that the second death is when even the very memory of a person is gone. This usually happens within one or two generations. It’s a sad thought…like an individual was never here at all.

As long as I remember my dad, he is alive.

I think of him and hear his voice, he is still here.

I remember his laugh; I smile and he is still with me.

I remember many conversations we’ve had, he is here.

I’m 10 years old, and I see him so proud in the bleachers clapping and smiling, yelling “that’s my kid!” as I round the bases for my first home run; he is still with me.

I remember his great laugh. I can hear him.

I recall at 18 years old the 16 hour drive back to Ft. Gordon Georgia in my piece of crap 1967 Volkswagen bug. I remember the stories he told me, the laughs we had, the first time I felt like it was a man to man conversation...he is still with me.

I remember his endless smile.

I remember his crazy ass episodes; like at 79 years old calling out another old dude for a fight in the parking lot of the bowling alley because the guy disrespected my mom. He told that guy that he was going to “rip his heart out and shove it down his throat”…and he would have if the guy hadn’t backed down. I also remember him pulling out his .38 hand gun and shooting at the neighbors’ dog…he was afraid of dogs…too funny-

I remember his velvet thundering hand. My brother and I always respected and feared him…in a healthy way.

I remember his toughness and strength.

I remember his amazing ability to deal with physical pain…HUGE amounts of pain that the average person (including me) could never handle; especially with the strength and grace that he did.

I remember his humility.

I remember his love for his mother.

I remember his love for his wife.

He was a simple man that learned thankfulness and contentment at an early age. He worked hard from the age of 11 into his 60’s. He lived very simply, expected little, required little, gave much, loved unconditionally and endured and fought to the end of his days here on earth.

Though the memory of our existence may fade here on earth when we leave, and the “second death” washes away any trace of our life on earth, our spirits are eternal…thankfully our Heavenly Father has provided the path to eternal life through his son Jesus. I will be with my dad again…this I know-

Tonight I miss my father. I will always love him and carry his spirit in me, and I know without a doubt that I will be with him again someday.

See you soon Pop!
With all my Love,

Your youngest son-
February 2, 2010

Spirit Of A Storm

There's a spirit of a storm in my soul,

A restlessness that I can't seem to tame.

Thunder and lightning follow everywhere I go...

There's a spirit of a storm in my soul.

There's a hurricane that's raging through my blood,

I can't find a way to calm the sea.

Maybe I'll find someday the waters aren't so rushed,

Right now they've got the best of me

And oh, it's been a long, long time,

Since I had real peace of mind-

So I'm just going to sit right here,

In this old chair, till this storm rolls by...

Oh, maybe it's just the way I am,

Maybe I won't ever change

So I'm just going to sit right here

In this old chair and just soak up the rain.

There's a spirit of a storm in my soul,

Every time I think it's gone away...

the dark clouds gather, that old wind begins to blow,

The sun's going to shine someday I hope...

but there's a spirit of a storm in my soul, in my soul.
Kenny Chesney

Roll with the Changes

I knew it had to happen
Felt the tables turnin',
Got me through my darkest hour.

I heard the thunder clappin'
Felt the desert burnin'
until you poured on me like a sweet sun shower.

So, if you're tired of the Same old story
Turn some pages,
I'll be here when you are ready to roll with the changes-

On the coast of somewhere beautiful

Trade winds blowin' through her hair

Sunlight dancin' on the water

and I wish I was there

These are Better Days

Better Days

Well my soul checked out missing as I sat listening
to the hours and minutes tickin' away,
yeah just sittin' around waitin' for my life to begin
while it was all just slippin' away.

I'm tired of waitin' for tomorrow to come,
or that train to come roarin' 'round the bend.
I got a new suit of clothes a pretty red rose,
and a woman I can call my friend.

These are better days baby, yeah there's better days shining through,
These are better days baby, Better days with a girl like you.

Well I took a piss at fortune's sweet kiss,
it's like eatin' caviar and dirt.
It's a sad funny ending to find yourself pretending
you're a rich man in a poor man's shirt.

Now my ass was draggin' when from a passin' gypsy wagon
your heart like a diamond shone.
Tonight I'm layin' in your arms carvin' lucky charms
out of these hard luck bones.

These are better days baby, these are better days its true.
These are better days,
There's better days shining through.

Now a life of leisure and pirate's treasure,
Don't make much for tragedy,
but it's a sad man my friend who's livin' in his own skin
and can't stand the company.

Every fool's got a reason for feelin' sorry for himself,
and turning his heart to stone.
Tonight this fool's halfway to heaven and just a mile outta hell,
and I feel like I'm comin' home.
These are better days baby,
there's better days shining through.
These are better days,
Better days with a girl like you.

Bruce Springsteen