A message from my dad:

Hey everybody, it’s me. I’ve been busy since I got here last Wednesday. I just now got a chance to talk. I didn’t have time to tell anyone I was leaving, but I guess you know that by now. I wanted to let you know some things. Might as well get to it.
It didn’t hurt. It was painless. I heard the call and I was gone. I know Holly did what she could and she did great. But nothing stops it when it is time. Yes, it was not by chance that I was not out on the road. My work was done when I was walking to the shop. My last assignment was to park my truck, of which I did proudly. The last thing I did before I left was smell the air. Smelled like Saturday morning at the lake. Smelled heavenly.

Speaking of the lake, sorry I missed work, Stephanie. I hope the boys are ok without me. I know everyone was wondering where I was but let them know that I am ok. You know, I never thought that I would see a prettier lake than High Rock. And then I came here. I sure will miss all of you. I want you to know that. I love you all and you gave me some of the best memories of my life down there. Thank You.

Ronnie, I’ll miss you. If I never told you I will now, I love you. No better man could have been my son-in-law. Every dad wants his little girl to marry a prince, or at the least someone like the old man. Although you are not as pretty as me, you are wonderful.
I love you Magan. You loved me and were brave enough to put me in my place when no one else would. I don’t need socks up here so no more farmers’ tan. Thought you’d like that. Keep my son in his place and love him. He needs you.
Zach, Andrew, Makenna and Dakota, I want you to listen up. I’ll sure miss seeing you grow up. Oh, I know you’ll be fine without me cause you got your moms and dads. But I want you to know I love you and I miss you. You were my world and always will be.

Hey Pam. Daddy loves you. You thought the last thing on my mind was that you were sick. Things don’t work that way up here. My last thought of you was how proud I am. I am proud of you, too son. One thing we all talk about up here is our kids. I never run out of things to say. I tried to get back to you. I wanted to see you one more time. But kids, they won’t let us come back until it is time. Until then, I love you and miss you.

Becky. My dear Becky. You loved me when I didn’t deserve it. You cooked for me when I should have starved. And you came running whenever I was hurt. I love you so much. 35 years was not enough time for me. I asked for more but it is just not possible. You were a perfect wife. There was nothing more you could have done, or anything left to do. You loved me completely, sacrificed all that you were and never stopped, even at the end. My life was complete. And you completed it. I love you.

Well, I have to go now. I don’t know all of the rules up here yet but I do know a few. No wings. Angels have wings. We are humans. When I got here they were singing. It was amazing. Momma is here. I don’t know yet if she can fix me some biscuits but you can bet I am going to find out. And I don’t know if I can see you or not, or if I can come to you in dreams. But I do know that I can’t call you or speak to you. I know, I am sorry but that is the way it is. We’re all believers here. Non-believers go someplace else. No, I don’t know who all is here but I will soon. I guess that is about it.
One last thing… it’s all true. The Bible. It’s all true. Every word. Of course I know this now because I am here. Study it. Learn it. Without it we will never see each other again. Jesus told me this. Forget the atheist scientists and the unbelievers. I know they are not here and I know why. They don’t believe. Seek Him and He’ll come. Please seek Him.
I love you all. I miss you all. I am at peace. Please believe.              

R.V.C., ‘Bubba’