A Letter to Melinda

Dear MeMe,

I already miss you. The next few days are going to be difficult. They tell me it will get easier with time, but for now, I find myself doing great one minute then tearing up the next. I continue to smile when I think of you walking with Jesus. I know grandma has already given you a big hug. I hope you remembered to give her a big hug from me. You two are the strongest women I have ever known. I will continue God’s plan here until he calls me home to be with you all.

I know at times we wondered about how we raised Brian and Megan. I have to tell you for two young adults they are handling this better than I think I would have at their age. I pray they are not too upset that I did not wake them while everything transpired this morning. I believe it is what you would have wanted. You can tell me if I was right when I see you. I am grateful that they have been here to help along with your parents and mine. I do not know how people do this on their own.

MeMe, I thought I was prepared… I wasn’t. Calling 911, talking with EMTs, Sherriff’s department, Justice of the Peace, doctors, and the funeral home has been exhausting. I Praise God that he helped so much during this process. We have to especially thank JP Cliff Coleman that went above and beyond on his day off today to keep things moving forward. Tomorrow, I will meet with Pastor Bob Crowder and Bob Beasley to finalize your going home party. Yes, I already told Pastor Bob what you would like him to say during your party.

Your party has been arranged for 10:00 AM this Saturday, November 14, 2020, at the church. (Lakeview Baptist Church, Belton). We will then travel with your earthly tent to the Moody Cemetery.

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
– 2 Corinthians 5:1

We will be with your tent Friday evening from 4-7 PM at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton, so family and friends can stop by for a visit if they so wish.

Me, I have tried to write a eulogy. I just can’t seem to bring myself to write it. Instead, I am writing you this letter. As you took great comfort in Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I will too. I will also ramble a bit, so please forgive me.

Meme, you were my rock. You made me a better man. I know God meant for us to be together. How could two people that grew up in Moody/Troy and Robinson find each other in a city as big as Houston? We had a laugh today about the Hot Line and how we meet. As I write this, I looked up and saw the picture of you in your wedding dress. It reminded me of our wedding day (March 8, 1997) with that Baylor Green for me and TAMU maroon for you. It is still one of the happiest days I can remember, next to the births of Brian and Megan. And although I am sad you are no longer with me. I think that today may be the happiest of all, knowing that you are with our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.

I know I was not always the best husband and LORD knows a sinner, but throughout it all, you were a perfect example of a Biblical wife even when I did not love you as myself. If I had it to do all over again, I would not hesitate to say I do and enjoy my life with you. Other than striving to be a better husband and father, I would not change a thing.

You always worked to honor God, even when I got in the way. You trusted in what Jesus did on the Cross when you were seven years old. It took me a little longer. Your faith never wavered. You always did your best to show kindness to others and let them know “God is in Control”. You never let your medical issues get you down. I bet even now there are those in heaven telling you how you changed their lives through your faith in Christ.

I now smile when I think of how many people asked, “How is she so happy?” during all the cancer treatments. I know it was because your smiles didn’t come from the prospect of healing they came from your belief in the GOSPEL and your love for Jesus. It amazed me how during your pain your greatest concerns were for those treating you and whether they knew Jesus. I will continue to pray for those on our list each night. MeMe if you get a chance, ask the Holy Spirit to work a little harder on those on our prayer list.

The kids and I did as you requested. We did not get an expensive coffin. We selected one I think you would have liked. Your parents are getting you some beautiful flowers to go on top of it. It will take a while but I will find someone to make the headstone we talked about and get it ordered. They did say with COVID it may take a little longer than expected. They asked about memorials. I told them that Shriners Hospitals for Children helped you and that we both have a heart for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Hopefully, people will donate to them. The kids and I are researching setting up a fund for Troy FFA Seniors to help them with some college expenses as we discussed. If things go as planned it should be ready for this Spring. I know how much you appreciated what the Troy FFA did for our children and other students at Troy.

Melinda, I’m getting tired, so I will stop here for tonight. Life will not be the same without you by my side. There is still a lot to be done. I thank GOD for the time we had together and I am looking forward to that blessed day that we will see each other again. In the meantime I will “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:16–18)