On this reminicent day...

June 1st will ALWAYS hold a very special place in my heart. It was my step dad's birthday. This year he would of turned 91. That in itself seems crazy to me. I met Murray around 1995 although I knew of him my entire life. Even though he was older than my mom that never mattered to me. Age is nothing but a number anyways.. right?

Talking to him on the phone was always so enjoyable.He would call to talk to my mom and see how we were doing and would have long conversations about school and life in general. Then when he finally came up to visit our family in South Carolina I got to know him even more than before and truly found a deep love for him. To say he was amazing would be selling him short. He was the most influential people I have ever had the opportunity to get to know. Not only was Murray kind, he was SO generous, loving, funny, encouraging, and supportive. He made me feel so good about myself which was so important since I always had a pretty low self image in my younger days. He also gave me a new found appreciation for crossword puzzles. Always cheering me on when I felt I couldn't give anymore and loving me for me.

When he passed away in 1997 I was SO lost. (As this was my first experience with death.) I didn't know what I was going to do without him in my life or why God would take this man that my mom and sisters loved so very much away from us after such a short time. As the years have past I have come to a sense of peace. Yes, I would of LOVED LOVED LOVED if Murray could of been around another 10 years but even that would not have been enough time with him. I am so fortunate and blessed to have a little bit of time with a man that helped shape my life forever. Although I won't ever see him again on earth I know one day we will be reunited again and that is a wonderful reminder yet again of God's love.

Always remember God puts people in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Don't cry over the past. Smile because of the future.
Life is short. Enjoy the ride! :)