A Tribute to a Friend

For many years, Pappy and I have been friends with a couple we go to church with.  Mr. Lloyd passed away CHRIST-mas Eve, after suffering for several years with a very weak heart.  He endured several operations and procedures....but  finally his heart just wore out.  The amazing thing....was that he got to spend CHRIST-mas with Jesus....celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior....with our Lord and Savior!!!  

I told somebody....that Mr. Lloyd's heart just wore out because of how big and generous it was!!!

I wanted to write a little something just for Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Bonnie.  I told her Sunday night as we went thru the receiving line at church....that she is one of the strongest women I know.  I want to share some stories about Mr. Lloyd that mean so much to me and Pappy.

In 1993, we had a really big snow storm and a lot of people in our community were without power.  My Dad was on oxygen for the last 5 years of his life (Daddy passed away in 1994).  Mr. Lloyd owned a welding company so he had access to portable oxygen tanks.  He owned a 4-wheel drive at the time, too....so he came and got Pappy and they went to his work and got Daddy an oxygen tank and took it to him until Mom and Dad's power came back on.

Mr. Lloyd loved bluegrass music, even playing in several bands over the years.  He was the one who got Pappy interested in bluegrass music, making him lots of tapes and CD's over the years. He also sold Pappy his mandolin....that Pappy had autographed by Sam Bush when we went to one of his concerts!!!

And....speaking of music.  One of my favorite songs is "Poor Wayfaring Stranger".  At Pappy's ordination at our church, Mr. Lloyd played his mandolin and sang that song along with another friend, Mr. David.  He dedicated it to me right before they sang it.  He and David had promised to sing it at my funeral....but that's not going to happen now!!!  Once....they were practicing at Mr. Lloyd's house....that was when they were our neighbor....and he called me and told me to go out in my front yard and listen....they were playing "my song"....and I stood in our front yard and enjoyed it!!!

Last year, I did a post on my blog and titled it 'Cardinals in the Snow'.  Mr. Lloyd commented on it at church one Sunday.  This past Sunday, as it snowed....the cardinals kept landing at the bird feeder outside my window....and I couldn't help but think of Mr. Lloyd.

So....I want to dedicate this post....and these pictures....to him.

We'll miss you, Mr. Lloyd....and we'll all make sure that Ms.  Bonnie is taken care of....just like she took care of you!!!

 Philippians 1:3

Every time I think of you, 

I give thanks to my God. 

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!