Tribute- Part III

Hey, Y'all,
Well, this is the last part of the tribute to my sweetie, Walter, by our niece, Donna, which she so beautifully gave at his funeral service.

WALTER BAILEY YOUNG - "THE BROTHER":
Never did I give the importance of siblings in your life until after the death of my daddy, when my daughter, Tami, said to me, "Mom, I know you, Pam, Terri, and Bonnie are hurting, but you know who I feel the most sorrow for...his brothers and sisters." I must have had a 'What'? look on my face, because without saying anything else, she said, "Think about it..your siblings are with you all throughout your life." The more I thought about it, the more I knew she was right. I always knew that someday I would have to say goodbye to my mom and dad, but saying goodbye to my sisters just isn't in the plan. It's a given that if it's as simple as agreeing on how to roast a hot dog, Pam, Terri, Bonnie and I would never agree on the way it should be roasted...but I would be devastated if something ever happened to any of them.
Big Bonnie, I know today your heart is breaking, you and Dubby shared a bond that was different from most siblings. It was just the two of you for many years. You both depended on and needed support from each other during the care-taking of your mother and resuming a normal life after she was gone. You shared the same home until Dubby married...but continued to share the need to take care of each other even after he left home. You asked me several years ago to promise that Dubby would be taken care of if something were ever to happen to you. I made that same promise to him the night before he left for Texas, to take care of you. He knew he was preparing for the journey home, and he wanted to be sure his baby sister would be okay. I know there's a void in your heart today...you're the last of your family. I can only imagine the emotion you're feeling today, but you have those memories that will always be stored in your heart...and only you can feel that special bond and love that you and Dubby had for each other. You'll be okay, because you have the satisfaction of knowing he is in a better place.

Walter Bailey Young:
A millionaire? by no means, but by far - richer than anything money could ever buy.
A movie star? don't think so..but you can bet your dollar there will be many stars in his crown.
A politician? no, but definitely an Ambassador for his Lord.
A famous author? not hardly...but his name rates high on the list in the Book of Life.

When I went to pick up my Uncle Dubby to go to the airport fro his trip to Texas, I knew this was the beginning of his preparation for his journey Home. As the male nurse, Rick, helped him get into the car, he looked at my uncle with tears in his eyes and said, "Walter, I wish all my patients were like you." I knew my uncle had impacted his life the same way he impacted ours. The drive to Knoxville was unlike any I had ever taken. I reached over and held the hand of a man I loved dearly and remembered all those times that I would always cherish. As we said our goodbyes, and they pushed him away, I knew in my heart that his time was near.

Uncle Dubby, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 was your day...my nephew, Josh, has rolled out the red carpet...you will be greeted by the saints gone before you, your friends and family waiting your arrival. Uncle Howard (who taught woodworking for many years) has carved you a special chair. Daddy had prepared your favorite fish. Momma had the table filled with coconut pie, chess pie, banana pudding. Your mom and dad with outstretched arms were patiently waiting for the arrival of their son...but most important, Jesus, our Lord was standing at the throne, waiting to embrace you in his arms, saying, "Walter, job well done!"

(Well, folks that is the tribute paid to my Dubby by our niece, Donna, daughter of his sister, Johnnie and her husband, Ross. Thank you so very much, Donna, for those touching words. I appreciate you more than you can ever know for the beautiful thoughts and sentiments you expressed so eloquently.)

I got some things I need to do today, and I reckon I need to get in yonder and get my breakfast fixed and start the day. I hope to get the rest of the unpacking done this week. Carol and Daryl are feeling better after the episode of illness that they experienced. It left them rather weak.

I don't think I will be going out today anywhere, so I am just going to run around here in my gown and housecoat. (Someplace they call housecoats wrappers, hmmm.) This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you. Bye for now. Love to you all.