Leave a Legacy

 It has been 12 years since we said our final goodbye. If you were still with us we would be celebrating your 66th birthday today. When I sat in the doctor’s office listening as the doctor explained  the diagnosis of Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD); the loss of memory, the behavioral challenges, and possible physical challenges we would face (and we did) we knew our faith in God would be enough to sustain us. He was enough then and He is still enough today! 


We all miss your kind, gentle spirit; your silly songs; the voice that was pitch perfect, (a recording I had of Amazing Grace sung a capella was dubbed onto a CD Sarah made as a legacy gift). We miss your smile, laugh, jokes that only your sons could figure out, your hugs, the adventurous spirit and saying “YES” even when you thought my ideas were crazy- you found ways to help make them happen. 


What I have are the sweet memories of all the ways we celebrated through the years together.  We always made the most of every opportunity God granted us together...family, vacations, celebrations, and ministry!  


We had many dreams and plans for the future- BUT God …had other plans- His plans have helped me to grow in grace- to learn to depend solely on Him; and that dependence on God has taught me that He sees me; He hears me; He knows my name, my situations, my trials and struggles. He has brought so many people across my path that have loved on me and helped me in tangible ways that are beyond my wildest imagination. 


God has used your story, my story and our story to help others find strength in Him, find new life in Jesus, and restoration for their soul…AND for that I am truly grateful to you and how you lived your life always giving God the praise; I am thankful most of all to God who daily sustains me, walks with me, and guides me! 


I give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1


Photo taken by Trudy Hill 2 months before Paul went to be with his Maker. 

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