A Whirlwind of Memories

It's been a whirlwind of emotions, planning, preperation, reuniting with distant (in geography) friends and relatives, and carry-in meals (I'm fairly certain a side effect of tragedy is obesity).

There have been some very cool posts we have been shown across the blog world in tribute to dad.

• Denny Owens (dad's pastor for several years) gave his reflections, and asked dad to keep a hoop open for him.
• Dan Weiss (best man in my wedding) gave his reflections from afar, and summed up well what any of us could learn from my dad.
• Andrew Whitehead (Waky boy, former NMC student, and English student of dad) may have captured the heart and soul of my dad as best anybody could in his post.
• Steve Gall (my brother Jamie's best friend through High School) shared his perspective and continued relationship with dad.
• Shelley Flickinger (Dad's Niece-in-law) shows the family man who stretched beyond his immediate relatives.
• Joe Bennett (former arch-rival in basketball to my big bro, fellow teacher with my dad) shares a classic memory about my dad, the teacher.
• WNDU's story (check out the video) on dad that they did at NorthWood.
  

In all, very fitting tributes. This morning I realized that in the whirlwind of memories shared and thought, I haven't had a negative memory of dad creep in. It's not that he was perfect, it's just that I am very blessed to say I had an amazingly consistent, caring, unique, what-you-see-is-what-you-get dad.

Thanks to all for the incredible support from so many. As we head into the official mourning ceremonies, many of us find ourselves ready to celebrate a life well lived, and a Savior now seen face to face!