My dearest Uncle Fred,
I'll never forget how one simple phone call to pray for my health turned me back to the Lord. It makes me understand what you mean when you say there is a purpose for everything, because there was a hidden purpose behind you calling to pray with me. It was because God was using one of his most faithful and loyal servants in our family, which is you, to bring back a lost sheep, which was myself.
Listening to your prayers, I saw how strongly you and auntie believe in the Lord and it made something inside of me awaken. This yearning for the Lord that I never understood or felt before. I wanted to be like you both. I wanted that passion for God. All because of a phone call... That really is so beautiful and it has me in awe even to this day.
I thank God for giving me and our whole family the blessing of your life. You are and will always be the father of this family. Why? A father cares for his family every waking hour of his life, like you have. He has strong hands that guide his children to the right paths in which the Lord wants them to take, like you have with each person you come across. A good father is kind and forgiving, and speaks no negativity. He opens the door only for hope, love and faith.
You are all of those things and more, tio. Don't forget that. We are the ones who are blessed just to have been able to say we know you or have spoken to someone as wise as you. Thank you for the love, hope, and faith that you have personally brought into my life and all the others of this family. Thank you for all of our amazing memories. In Michigan, or here in Texas at the beach each summer. Thank you for your noble advice and words of wisdom that will stay with me always. Advice and words of wisdom in which I will instill in the hearts and minds of my own children. Thank you for simply being who you are.
I can't say I know a single person in this family who is more worthy of meeting our Father in heaven than you. You are the absolute best example of a job well done. We must not only all learn to use your life as an example, but we must all learn to use your lessons in our everyday lives. After all, you've given us so many.
I am rejoicing for you and everything that lies ahead, uncle. I may not physically see you at the beach this summer if it be God's will, but your memory will always remain in spirit, just as you said to me. Next time I see you, we'll be in a place more beautiful than any ocean could ever be. Free of pain and suffering. No more cancer, no more seizures. Nothing but smiles for the glory of our amazing God. I look forward to seeing you there.
I love you with all my heart. Thank you for being one of my greatest blessings. I love you so much. Please do not be scared. Rejoice in the strong love our family shares, and the beautiful blessings that lie ahead. Love is unlike our faulty human bodies in the way that it can never fail or cease - it is forever. Even after we pass on to our home with the Lord. And for that reason, I thank Him endlessly for creating it. We shall love you through this with the good Lord on our side.
Revelation 21:4
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Con cariño,
Tu sobrina.
Familia es todo, para siempre y siempre.
Mandy, I am glad that your uncle was and is such an inspiration to you. He will continue to "be there for you" as you remember the words that he spoke to you over the years. God has wonderful things for us both here and in the hereafter.
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