This photo was June 23rd, and only eighteen days after this photo was taken, you left us to go rest. This was one of many family photos taken that day, but I changed this one a little into a black and white photo. I’m so glad you wanted us to have that photo session before you left us. I love this picture of you. It captures more than just your beautiful smile, but your eyes, heart, and your love. I know everything it took for you that day just to make that short walk into the yard using your walker, and exhausted coming back inside after only a few minutes outside for pictures. That’s just one part of who you were. Courageous and determination. Some have only known you a short time, while others a life time. I hope all have caught a glimpse of your sweet aroma and your Christ like unselfish care for others. You always put others ahead of yourself.

It’s Labor Day weekend now. The sounds of the Darlington 500 racetrack are under way. The race cars, traffic, the helicopter over head, golf carts up and down our street, music and fireworks. We were far from race fans, but we enjoyed the fact that we were close enough to hear them and could watch the “4th quarter” on tv knowing it was happening live right down the street.

It’s all a reminder of you, and another time we shared sweetheart. The weather is beautiful. You would have loved it. Katie and I talked a lot about you today as we shared hugs. Love and miss you.