Published: January 21, 2007 02:55 pm            

1/21/07 Letters to the editor

Thanks for help after tornado



Dear Editor:



Thank you to all who came to our aid on Dec. 29 and the days following. We can never begin to repay all those who came to dig through the rubble, gave gifts, brought food or just came by to make sure our family was safe.

On Dec. 30, I awoke dreading the task that was before me — to see what was left of my home. But what I remember most from that day is when we topped the hill, I saw a sea of people already working to save what little we had left.

Thank you for helping to wipe away a very painful picture and replace it with one of joy. We know we are truly blessed for we may have lost so much, but we are one of the richest in town because our family is surrounded by so many caring, loving and generous people.

Keep us in your prayers as we begin again. May God shine upon you always for your kindness.

Thank you,



Chris, Landy, Travis,

Hanna and Logan Boody



Remembering a good man



Dear Editor:



A man died on Jan. 7. He was not famous or rich. He did not play ball for the Dallas Cowboys or the Dallas Mavericks. You may not have noticed the obituary in the paper. His death did not make the news. But a man died on Jan. 7.

His last years were in a nursing home. His life was that of a God-fearing man. He certainly had taken Jesus Christ as his personal savior. His actions spoke his beliefs. I never heard a cross word come from his mouth. Instead, all the words were kind. He would forgive easily. Quite often, he could be seen helping other residents at the home. He would push their wheelchairs or help them walk. Yes, a man died on Jan. 7.

He loved church. When he could not go out to a local church, he blessed us with his presence at the service in the nursing home. After each service, he would thank us for coming to the home and participating in the praise of God. This man died on Jan. 7.

I have little knowledge about his background. I do not know where he worked. He did mention that he was in the Army during World War II. He served in Alaska. He saw no direct action. However, the forces maintained in the Northern Pacific kept the Japanese from committing all their troops to the war farther south. This also seemed in character for him. He had a direct effect on the outcome but never mentioned it. This man died on Jan. 7.

A few nights after he died, his daughter called. She mentioned that her father had wanted to take Holy Communion one more time. As God would have it, that particular Sunday was the first Sunday of the month, the normal day for communion. We were able to serve this man communion. I started thinking about the death and this man. We all grieve the loss of such a fine person.

However, there is another point of view. We shared the last church service that this man had on earth. Tom, Shellie and Charlie sang hymns that this man enjoyed hours before he died. Charlie played the guitar during the service. Betty gave him the bread and the wine for his last communion. Jimmie most likely shook his hand or hugged him after the service. The staff at the home made sure that he was safe in his room after the noon meal. They always showed him love. His daughter was able to have a meal with her father before he went back to his room and laid down to sleep for the last time. Then this man died.

Yes, Alton Kay died on Jan. 7, but each person who was fortunate in sharing a part of his life is much richer because we met him. So the gift that God has given to us is more important than and far out-weighed the grief associated with his death.



Otis H. Mann

Cleburne

        

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