Sunday was an emotional roller coaster for our little community. The First Baptist Church said its final goodbyes to Gerald McKee. Both the church and the overflow downstairs were crowded with friends and students there to say their final farewells. Many of his former Ag students spoke of the lessons learned from Mr. McKee. Their respect and love for him were richly evident. He left a magnificent legacy in the lives of these young people. The FFA students lined the wall at attention in full uniform. Although Mr. Dennis is their teacher, they did not hesitate to show their appreciation for the years of work he had put in for these kids. The service was performed by Brother Mack Elkin and Brother Barry Fikes and the singing was led by Johnny Reeves and the ladies of the worship team. Brother Barry is a cousin to Gerald and Kay. To say that it was a beautiful service doesn’t give you a true picture. It was touching, beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time. The song service at the end was especially poignant and gave me room for thought.
The songs touched on the “should have’s” of life. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, and the passing of a friend sends your thoughts into troubling paths. There are no ways to take back hurtful words. Once someone is gone there are no “sorries” to say. Those visits that you meant to make but didn’t, can’t be made. So please, consider your elderly relatives, take time to be with them. If you are living far from your parents, send them a little thinking of you gift or give them a call. A visit is always the best gift, but that isn’t always possible. One of the songs said, “I meant to visit you last week.” Once your loved one is gone, there are no more visits.
So, take the time to mend your broken fences, make some calls, pay some visits, and show your love and appreciation for family and friends. Time may stop for them before you get around to showing your love.
We have a long prayer list. Mondo Garcia’s mom is ill. Coach Burkhart is ill, Mrs. Bea’s sister is sick, and my brother Jim was rushed to the hospital for the second time in a week.
There are more requests as this latest round of covid runs through the community. This is also cedar fever season and that affects hundreds in our area. Brother Mack is headed for Georgia and tough airborne training, so he needs our prayers. Please keep our country, our government, and our police officers in your prayers. We are desperately in need of rain as well. Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families.