For Mary Kay…
One of my low-key favorite things about visiting the Newman house is the little kitchen marquee – the tiny chalkboard sign above the cabinets with a welcome message. “What’s it going to say,” has become a part of my routine thoughts when I first walk in the door. This week, it read, “Try to remember MK.” Well, that’ll be really easy, Mary Kay.
I’ll remember you as someone who gave great hugs; as someone who appreciates a good hug, I’ll remember you as a Top 1% hugger.
I’ll remember you as someone who put love first, as the pastor at our North Carolina church often says; you led with love and those awesome hugs were full of that love.
I’ll remember you you as someone who challenged me and made me think about some things differently; I hope I did the same for you.
I’ll remember you as the first person who comforted me when I got back from seeing my dad for the final time, which segued into you meeting Jordan for the first time.
I’ll remember you for finding a quiet moment or two at the boisterous Newman family gatherings for an often overstimulated guy like me who at times gets overwhelmed by continuous noise; it was those brief and endearing conversations that most made me feel at home and comfortable.
I’ll remember you as someone who I grew to love; I don’t say “I love you” to many people, so I actually remember the first time that I replied to one of your genuine “We love yous” with an authentic, equally genuine, “I love you too.” I was sitting in the parking lot of a department store getting your advice about something I was considering as an anniversary gift for Sarah, who is of course the reason I will always remember you. I’ll always remember the mother of the greatest gift God’s ever given me; I’ll honor you by loving her forever.
So, goodbye, Mary Kay. May the joy you brought to the world in life be amplified infinitely by your spirit. I love you and I’ll miss you….I won’t have to try to remember you.
Sincerely,
Chad
