"All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action."
James Russell Lowell
Greetings!
"I didn't know". That's what Johnny said when I told him that his family was very loved. I met Johnny, his wife Janis and their two boys 17 years ago when we first moved to Waynesville.
We affectionately refer to our little town as "Mayberry". It's a small community nestled in the majestic Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina. There are pure streams and rivers with gorgeous vistas at every turn. The people are wonderful, warm and welcome you with open arms.
I paint this picture to give you a backdrop for what I'm about to tell you. I met Johnny at the local little league field. Our boys are about the same age and they played ball together all the way through High School. Johnny and I coached a team together many years ago and I have fond memories of that experience. Life being what it is I didn't see Johnny and Janis much after the baseball days. Our occasional meetings at the grocery store were always very warm with the "we need to get together" exchanges.
Two week ago Johnny and Janis lost their 24 year old son. I don't know all the details but his heart just stopped during the night and his Mom found him in the morning. I know this is every parent's worst nightmare. We are not supposed to outlive our children.
The local funeral home was overflowing with hundreds of people wanting to express their sorrow to this precious family.
A few days had gone by and I was driving past Johnny's cabinet shop. I saw his door was open and I just knew I had to stop and check on him. He was busy sanding a cabinet door when he saw me. As we stood there in the saw dust Johnny began to cry. "I was so blessed by the turnout at the funeral". Johnny, your family is very loved I told him. "I didn't know" was all he said.
As I drove away, my eyes brimming I said, Lord I don't want the people in my life to ever not know that they are loved by me. Life is short. Fill it with love.
