When I was a girl, my family attended First Baptist Church in Colusa, Ca. In fact, my parents were among the founders of the church.
Alan was one of the teen members. I remember he and his friend Delbert used to tease me when I was little. But, they also looked out for me.
At the church, Alan met, fell in love with, and married my cousin Barbara. Now he was family.
The teasing never stopped, but neither did the laughter and love that came with it. His laugh was boisterous and magical.
I grew up and had kids of my own. They also remember the teasing and the laughter and the love that Alan shared with them.
Alan enjoyed life to the fullest. He and Barb were forever sweethearts.
There’s a hole in our hearts this week. The laughter stopped. Alan went home.
We will miss him but his was a life well lived. Good teasing and laughter are a gift. It’s a gift he shared with all of us. We will not forget him.
This week was Ash Wednesday. The weather was miserable here so, instead, we had Ash Wednesday on Friday at our church. I’m pretty sure God was OK with the delay.
As it was, it was a wonderful time of fellowship and remembrance. It’s good to stop, reflect, and rejuvenate our faith.
Life is good today. â–
