Until We Meet Again

When friends and loved ones pass from this life to the next, it's never easy to say goodbye, even though they have found eternal rest in the arms of Jesus and we will see them again some day. In recent weeks, I've had to say goodbye to two very precious people.

Helga Anita Rice
Our family said goodbye to Mrs. Helga Anita Rice on May 11th. At age 71, she passed away a few days after suffering a brain aneurysm.

Helga, or Nanny, as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren, was the mother of my sister-in-law, Kelly Lanier. My mother and I sang at her homegoing service, and my dad served as one of the officiating ministers. We are deeply grateful for this honor.

Mrs. Rice was a queen to her husband, Earl, and a pillar of strength for her family, deeply loved and respected by all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a classy lady with inward and outward beauty. Our family is blessed beyond measure to have known such a lovely lady, whose grace and kindness will forever be imprinted upon our hearts.

Kelly is the wife of my brother, Royce, and the mother of their three children - Nathan, Noah and Kaylee. Kelly's life is quite a reflection of her mother's faith, strength and courage, and is following her mother's footprints to be a pillar of strength for her own husband and children.

I am so proud to have Kelly as my sister-in-law. God could not have blessed our family with anyone better.

(Although your mother is no longer with us in this earthly realm, she is with us in spirit through the virtues she instilled in you. No doubt, she is very proud of you, and so are we. I love you, Sis.)

Carol E. Tipton
Less than three weeks later, we said goodbye to a life-long family friend, Carol E. Tipton. Only 44 years old, this young mother of two passed away after a five year struggle with cancer.

Carol was really more than a friend, she was part of the family. Regrettably, I was unable to attend her homegoing service. My mother was there, and my dad was one of the officiating ministers.

Carol and I are the same age, and as teenagers, we attended the same church for many years. It was at that church where I first met Carol, her mom and stepdad, a brother and a sister. Later, Carol married and was blessed with two beautful children. She was a faithful wife and dedicated mother. She so enjoyed being a homemaker, and was always actively involved in her childrens' school activities and other interests.

Carol endured many hardships in her life, but, as anyone who knew her would tell you, she always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word for others - never complaining or bringing attention to her own trials, even throughout her entire struggle with cancer. She was strong, she was a fighter who would never retreat. Her very presence would brighten the darkest of days.

Carol was a true friend to me in every sense of the word. With my demanding ministry schedule of 20+ years on the road, she never once complained or fussed at me for not keeping in touch on a continual basis or for not visiting more often. And when we did get the chance to chat or enjoy a visit, we just picked up right where we left off from the last visit, as if we'd never missed a day of friendship. I so appreciated that about her. And she believed in my ministry, and supported me faithfully until her dying day.

Although I wasn't able to attend her memorial service, I did enjoy one last visit with her at her home only a week before her passing. As her weak body lay there in that hospital bed with intense pain, she still had that familiar smile on her beautiful face.

I know when I get to Heaven, I'll find Carol and we'll just pick up right where we left off - and we'll never part again.

(I love you, Angelbaby)

Until we meet again...