A Tribute to Ken....

Today was Chris's uncle Ken's birthday as well as Father's Day. He died 4 months ago of Lung Cancer. Chris didn't know a lot about his uncle, but always felt this "connection". He was a very gentle, kind & generous man who had an amazing creative/mechanical mind. Chris only realized exactly how much they were alike until after his death, when he got to see all the sides of his uncle. They're so much alike, all of his clothes fit Chris exactly - same shoe size, pant size, shirt size and even the same style - incredible. Chris also got the opportunity to see his creative side. A lot of you know how many "creative ideas" Chris has for building his "castle", stone fence, etc. Well, upon visiting his Uncle's property, Chris found some of the exact (minus the castle) passions/dreams/ambitions had already been achieved by his uncle, or in the process. That was an amazing moment. For Chris, it was looking at someone in a mirror.

One passion Uncle Ken has was stained glass. The things he made were incredible. Chris inherited his tools, glass, etc and upon trying it for the first time, Chris said it just felt "right". So neat how Chris can continue his Uncle's creative side and bless others!

Today, we transplanted a tree at his gravesite in honor of Him. He had planted them in his yard before he died. It was sooo special. Chris is hanging an angel wind chime on the new tree. His wife, Diane also gave us one of the exact same trees to plant in our new backyard in honor of him. We planted it tonight. When it grows bigger, we will make a little "garden" in honor of Him.

Our new tree at home!

As much as this is tragic and sad, and we would have loved to know him better, we see God's great mercy in all of it. He was a wonderful man who got to know the Lord before he died. We are also getting to know his wonderful wife and 2 beautiful sons (and one daughter-inlaw) through this. They are a wonderful family we are praying for God's strength to get them through.

Chris & I have a "life verse" and it is so suitable here -

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me ..........

to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

God, we thank you for his life. Thank you for what you have taught us through this man!