Thank you, Byron - for being my brother and my friend. For taking on so much of this burden. For being there for Dad, taking him to the doctor, to the emergency room. For so many hugs, so many memories shared. For standing with me while we made the biggest decision of our lives, and all the other decisions in the days to follow.
Thank you, Jason - for being my husband and my friend. For taking care of everything so I could go to the hospital six hours away, for dropping everything and jumping in the car just because I said I needed you. For scanning a hundred photos. For being right by my side, for praying when we needed prayer and saying what needed to be said. For being the one always holding my hand.
Thank you, Jolene - for being my mother. For coming when we needed you the most, even though it was so hard. For feeding us, listening to us, comforting us like only you can. For knowing where we needed to look.
Thank you, Kim and the Cummings family - for supporting Byron so staunchly. For being right there, serving as our chauffeur, sorting through the detritus of life.
Thank you, Melanee and the Emel family - for loaning blazers and scanners. For Kentucky Fried Chicken and barbequed pork. For reminding us how important it is to be a family.
Thank you, Paul and Sharon - for being the best Nana and Papa. For taking on two kids and a dog and a cat. For making it possible to be in Missouri for 11 days. For going to the McDonald's PlayPlace when it rained. For buying new pj's when it was Pajama Day at school.
Thank you, Pat - for giving my dad 13 years of loving companionship. For talking with him on the phone every day. For never having a fight. For letting us know that Dad would have been proud.
Thank you, Toni - for answering the phone every time I called. For being my lifeline back home.
Thank you, friends - for more than 150 Facebook wall posts, messages, emails and phone calls. For your prayers, support and offers of help.
Thank you, University Hospital - for unbelievable doctors and nurses who supported my dad and my family every step of the way.
Thank you, Kent Funeral Home - for taking care of the details and making sure our dad was just the way we wanted to remember him.
Thank you, Rev. Northcutt, Linda and Joyce - for sharing in the service. For lifting your voices in praise. For honoring our dad in such a comforting way.
Thank you, Kevin, Jimmy, Jeff, and Aaron - For serving as pallbearers. For making sure we made it to the most beautiful hillside in Sullivan County.
Thank you, Friends of Erwin - for your kind words, your cards, your emails, your flowers, your memorial donations, your presence.
Thank you, Lord Jesus - for giving us a dad who loved us every day for 32 years. For taking him home to be with you in heaven forever.
Thank you, Dad - for everything you taught us. For every time you went out of your way to help us. For showing us how to pursue our passions. For teaching us that there is so much to be learned. For loving us, no matter what. Thank you.
