Jan and I are packing and getting ready for a trip to South Carolina. It will be good to see family and spend some quality time with them. South Carolina is filled with memories for us and we will enjoy seeing some familiar territory. We may even sneak away for a few hours to go to Charleston and eat at a favorite restaurant.

We will also be making a funeral home visit and attending the funeral of Uncle Buddy. Uncle Buddy is Jan’s mother’s brother. He became a part of my life during college days when I met Jan. He, and his wife Connie, were a part of the Baptist College family. Of course, they were at all the family gatherings–Christmas, cookouts, birthday parties, and the list could go on and on.

Buddy was a kind and compassionate man who seemed to be everyone’s “buddy.” I remember him helping me find a diamond when Jan and I became engaged. He brought a handful of diamonds to the house and helped me select the perfect one. He had a jeweler friend who took the diamond and created the ring. It was an act of kindness that still impacts my life today.

Buddy was a pastor of a small country church in South Carolina. He was known for his love and care for those God had entrusted to his care. He was an excellent teacher who loved the Bible and taught it responsibly. It goes without saying, but Buddy was a good man.

I understand that Buddy is in a far better place. A place without pain, sorrow, and suffering. A place without sin and a place where God Himself abides with HIs people. However, Buddy’s going home will create a void in our world. He will be dearly missed by his family and the world has lost a “good” man.

Until we meet again…

This is my story…