You will notice that today I posted two youtube videos created by my daughter Kathryn. These were created to express the love and concern she felt during Bob's struggle with cancer and then with his death. As 2011 begins I am remembering how Bob impacted my life. He had a great sense of humor and he loved the Lord. The combination often brought the congregation at our church to belly laughs during his offering messages. I think about Bob when I remember turning to him and his wife Glennis in one of my very worst hours. They sat and listened. Bob showed compassion by just being there and offering comfort as I sobbed. I miss him very much.
Taylor Dayton was a young man of just 19 years old. He suffered from depression and in his sorrow and despair took his own life the week after Christmas 2010. His death has brought to the forefront of my mind how fragile we can be. Taylor was well loved. He was a star athlete in high school and received a lot of attention for his abilities to excel at sports. Yet, merely six months away from high school, facing adult life without crowds to cheer him on-he floundered. I know Taylor accepted Jesus into his life as I was his teacher for over a year at the youth classes at church. I am reassured by God's promise that I will be reunited with Taylor again when I reach heaven. I can't wait to give him a big hug and to see his huge grin. I am so grateful that Taylor had come to know the Lord as his savior and friend. I grieve that he felt so alone and in so much pain that he chose to leave this life here on earth.
I dedicate these videos to the memory of these two men of God.
