The measure of a man

This poem, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, is dedicated to my dear friend Kenny.

To laugh often and much;

to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

to appreciate beauty;

to find the best in others;

to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, a redeemed social condition;

to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

If I didn't know better I would think old Ralph Waldo knew Kenny personally. I hope they are becoming fast friends in Heaven.

On the road again...

Within the hour we are off to Oregon for a celebration of dear, sweet Kenny's life. The occasion is sad and happy at the same time, if that makes any sense. We will be connecting with many dear friends that we haven't seen in a long while and it will be good to all be together again. 

Once is not enough

I watched the best movie last night - "Once." The song that won the Oscar this year is from this movie. "Once" was made on the streets of Dublin for $100,000 and is amazing. It is all about music and love and loss and friendship and living your dream. I loved it and highly recommend it. Give it a chance and I don't think you will regret it.

Broken Hearts

Today turned out to be a very sad day. Our closest friend, Ken Eggleston, passed away this morning after a valiant battle against lung cancer. Our hearts are broken, and our love and prayers go out to his dear wife Judy and all of the kids. We are very thankful that Ken knew and loved the Lord, so we have assurance that he is truly in a better place and one day we will all be together again. All of our bodies will eventually die, but our spirits will live forever.

Steve, Matt, Amy and I will be going to Oregon on Wednesday night and will return home late Sunday.