You never get over...

Although, I hadn't shared it with anybody until now, today was an extremely difficult day for me. Today was the two year anniversary of my Unkie passing away. I will never forget when he was informed at the hospital that he wasn't going to leave as a result of him having a rare lung disease. I remember the doctor giving him a few options, tears filled his eyes and he looked at me and said, "Chad, what do you think I should do?" Being a preacher for half my life, for the first time I was speechless. I had been in this situation countless times over the years with church members and even family members, but as much as I tried I could not speak a word. Tears continued to fill both our eyes, we prayed and held one another.
I had the honor to stay with him alone one night before he passed. As we watched the rangers together, ever so often he would remove his oxygen mask and tell me a few things he wanted to make sure I would take care of, he made me promise a few things that I have still kept till this day. But more then anything the silence that filled the room spoke to me more then anything. It was at that time the realization that I would no longer receive phone calls from him throughout the week to check on my kids, that call that took place almost ever Wednesday asking me to go to lunch at wherever had the best specials would cease forevermore, he wouldn't see my kids grow up...it was all about to vanish.

Unkie, was different although he worked all his life, he never knew how much money he really had even though it was more then most would acquire in a lifetime. He never owned a home, he always lived in an apartment. Never had his own washer and dryer and before he bought anything he always made sure he was getting the best deal.
I think more then anything he taught me it's not about the financial success one could acquire in this lifetime, it's about what we give to each others soul.
Last night, as my Auntie left my house, still crying over the departure of the love of her life... I realized you never get over saying good bye to those you love, but somehow through God's strength you keep on living, cherishing those things that they poured into your soul.

Still keeping my promises Unkie!

Much Love World,
C

In The End

As I have grown in my faith along with my age I have began to realize the brevity of life. The loss of loved ones, news stories and even the expiration date on a milk jug are constant reminders that everything has an expiration date.

Martin Luther King once said, “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

I pray when my death bed arrives, my friends along with the rest of humanity will not remember me by my silence but my willingness to take a stand on behalf of them.

May we all do, all we can to make this world a better place, while we are still living.

Much Love.
C