A Man of Honor

Yesterday did not go as I had planned. That is the funny thing about God. He doesn't care what your plans are. He has his own.

I had all intentions of going to pick up a free rocker until I could get the one from my friends in Tahoka. That was until about 4:45... I received 2 phone calls from my friend and had to ignore them because of my work. I knew something wasn't right because rarely will she call so many times.

I sent a text saying I was sorry about not answering but what was up... her response, "My grandpa may be dying."

Those 5 words turned my world upside down.

I couldn't focus, I wanted to leave - running - out the door to get to him and to her. I waited patiently and at 5 I ran. Once I arrived I was greeted with an awake, drowsy, and weak grandpa. But he was alive and it was all I could focus on.

The ride to their house was so long. I was constantly reminded of church this Sunday. The power of healing. The power of prayer, the power of following God's word, the fact we all have a special gift in the faith and I kept praying God would grant me healing. At least for today.

As I sat with my friend I continued to think how thankful I was for her and her family, for her being there and not being on a deployment. I looked around the room at faces I have known my whole life and was overcome with joy. I looked into his face and saw that he knew who I was.

That sweet man who for so long was like a grandfather to me as well. No matter where he was he would make a point to say hello, he would make sure I felt welcomed, he was always so concerned with others and completely selfless.

Yes, there were times I thought, "Wow he sure can talk." But, I am so thankful I had those conversations with him. He was the perfect example of a man living solely by faith and was an example for me in how I want to lead my life.

Then this morning.

Another upside down. I get a phone and the first words I hear are... "Rina, my grandpa died." I froze. I simply couldn't come up with words to make sure she was okay. I couldn't think past the horror of how, why, when. The only words that would come were, "What?"

Today I am taking the time to truly appreciate the life we are given. I want to take the time to examine my life and how I lead it. I want to share with the world what he gave me even in his last moments.

Bro. Kenneth and Sis. Alma June are two of the best people. While there Sis. Alma June was so concerned with my getting the baby gift she and Bro. Kenneth had got for our little girl. I was speechless. How could they be so concerned with something so small when something so big was happening. As I left, she reminded me to take the gift. I smiled and told her I wouldn't leave without it.

On the way home I thought to myself how special these people were to me. How he looked so much better from the moment I had first arrived. I said one last prayer to God. I prayed that God's will be done and if it is to take him from this world that it happen quickly and peacefully.

I got home and opened this gift. It was pink (we all know I am not a huge fan of pink) but I didn't care. I looked at this elephant holding a blanket and thought Eddison will love this. I went to sleep with prayers in my mind for the whole family and a smile on my face. The smile because of all the memories I have.

So, upon the call this morning I was frozen. Yet, I was thankful God took him in his sleep with no struggle. God had heard and had delivered.

Later my friend told me that he had gained enough strength to talk, and had asked if I received that baby gift. I smiled and giggled at the thought. He was still concerned about my baby and her present and was completely unselfish in his ways. This is the man I knew and loved. That present of Eddison's will forever be a part of her life. I will share the story with her, and I will share all the memories of this man and his faith.

He is in Heaven looking down smiling. He is probably telling stories to anyone with an ear to hear. He is holding tight to those who left before him and waiting patiently to be reunited with those still on earth.

I know nothing can ease the pain of losing someone. However, I have full faith that one day, those holes will be filled with the good times, the stories, the preaching's, and the testimonies of a man who completely had the hearts of many. The tears that are falling from these cheeks will be happy tears, from memories shared.

I pray God sends comfort to Alma June, my dear friend, and the Herring family. I pray peace comes to them as they close their eyes. I pray he wraps his arms around them through this time.

RIP Bro. Kenneth Herring. We love you.