THIS BLOG TOUCHES MY HEART IN SO MANY WAYS ~ Today, Feb
17, 2025, is my brother, Bob's, 91 birthday, which he is
celebrating in heaven with our mom and so many, many other loved
ones today.
As a child growing up in the Shoals of Alabama I virtually had
three moms ~ my mom, my Aunt Nina, and my Aunt Ola. In
1993, living in Orange County, California, I knew that Aunt Ola
was in the hospital in Alabama, but did not realize it was
serious.
One day I was at work and I had a strong feeling that
I wanted to call Aunt Ola in the hospital. My cousin, Bobbie
Byrd, answered the phone and told Aunt Ola, "Billy Joe is on
the phone. Do you feel like talking?" She answered, "No,
just tell him that I love him." An hour later she passed
away. My mom joined her in heaven in 1994. Aunt Nina had
preceded them in 1973.
Watching the video below touches special compartments of my
heart reserved for them and other very special ladies - for I find myself
in the Winter of Life, a time when I keep losing so many parts
of my heart, so many friends, loved ones, and very special
ladies who, each, own a piece of my heart - and are gone, for
now.
In the winter of 1955 I was in the Air Force Tech School at
Lowry AFB, Denver. During that time I met two very special
women - Jacquie Lynn Dodge and Betty Martinez. I married Betty,
but never forgot Jacquie and our moments together.
In 1965, there was Pat Goodwin, an amazing woman I met while
working at Boeing in Seattle for six months, then she followed
me to Los Angeles where we had a very special three years
relationship. Later in the 1960s, there was Judy Seale with
whom I shared many life experiences, traveling America and
experiencing the wild, decadent 1960s decade of America.
Betty passed away in 2001, just a week before 9/11 - Jacquie
Lynn in October 2010 - Pat and Judy both in 2024. Dory and I
have been together for 47 years and I daily ask God to give us
many more productive years together. My sister-in-law, aka, my
sister, Mary Gray, in Florence, Alabama, is a couple of years
older than me and seems to be in very good health. Thank you,
Lord.
About 15 years ago I discovered that I have a half-sister,
Imogene Donaldson, who lived in Port Angeles, Washington. After
we discovered one another, we talked often on the phone, but due
to my travel limitations, I never had a chance to meet her
face-to-face.
Yet I was amazed at her strong yet loving voice,
even though she was a few years older than me. She seemed to be
ten years younger than me. She was promoted to heaven in 2022 -
but we will meet again and this time it will be for eternity.
I have read, and written, about the Winter Season of life - but
have never admitted being there. When anyone inquires about my
age and if I am getting to be old, I declare, "When I get
old, I will let you know!"
While I may continue to ignore
Father Time, so many of those close to me have not - and each
one takes a piece of my heart with them. There is a consolation
to that ~ when I get to heaven it will be easy to find all my
loved ones and and special friends - each will be holding a
piece of my heart.
Through the years there have been so many special people and if
I try to include even a few sentences about all of them - I
would be writing a book instead of a blog. Yet when we meet
again, I will recognize each one, as they will also be holding a
piece of my heart.
For some reason this song popped into my head:
And then a kiss, but more than this,
Until we meet again, in this world or the next - to all of you,
My Friends and Loved Ones, "I wish you enough!"
God bless, Bill
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Bill Gray posted on Feb 17, 2017:
THE VIDEO BELOW DEFINITELY BROUGHT A MAJOR FLASH-BACK FOR ME ~ In February 1994, I was home in Alabama for my mom's funeral. I stayed a week and then had to come home to California.
My Aunt Anne wanted me to visit her before I left - but I ran out of time. I promised her that I would be coming home again soon and would definitely visit with her then. She was killed a month later in a car accident.
When Dory, Lana, and I left Alabama to fly home, my brother, Bob, was in good health and I had no doubt that we would be home often to visit. But life has a way of changing even the best plans. I was never able to go home again while Bob was still alive.
We talked often on the phone and I was thrilled by his devout walk with our Lord - but the last time I saw Bob was at the Huntsville airport in 1994. He was promoted to heaven January 12, 2016.
Yes, I will see him again one day. I will see him, mom, and the many other loved ones who have gone on before me. But I miss talking with him today - and I cannot tell you how many times I have reached for the phone to call mom or Bob - then realize that I cannot.
Why am I sharing this with you? Watch this video and you will understand. Every time we part - may be the last time. Did you remember to say, "I love you"? Three little words - but the most powerful words you can ever say - for they may have to last you a long time.
I Wish You Enough!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-rCB97IWGA
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
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