October 15, 2009

Lauren is Steve's oldest child.  She was born a month before her due date.  On the day that her Mother, Pat, went into labor, and Gene and Emily heard that she would be born early, they began to pray for her and for her mother.  They also made a trip to Birmingham to see her as soon as they possibly could. Thus began what Lauren would remember as PaPa always being there in her life - beginning even before her memory.

Lauren spoke at her Papa's funeral. Her words are below.

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My name is Lauren and I am honored to speak on behalf of my siblings, Sarah, Meredith and Patrick.  I want to talk about the legacy that my PaPa Howard left to us.  I think it can be best described by 2 bible verses:

I Corinthians 10:31 - "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 
and 
Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."

I think PaPa can be described as a man of great character.  He displayed this character and these verses in so many areas of his life.  I think of his commitment to my MaMa Howard - 63 years! I also saw it in his parenting.  I think of my Uncle Russ, Aunt Lynn, and of course about my own Dad and what an amazing father he is.  I know that he learned a lot about being a great Dad from the example of PaPa. 

I think of how my PaPa was always present in my life...at every major event he was there.  Graduations, my wedding, and even meeting Madison Claire 4 days after she was born. 

I think of his gardening and how he told me the story not too long ago of the people testing his plot of land for chemicals because they couldn't believe that a garden plot could be that beautiful and weed free without them.  He hadn't used chemicals but his hands to work the land.  That type of hard work is rare to find these days. 

I think about his positive attitude.  In his memoirs, he wrote: 
"I was disappointed that I had not been assigned to a combat unit.  I had decided to help make my unit one of the best transportation units in the Army."

And he did.  I think we could all learn from that and am sure the world would be a better place if instead of complaining in difficult or disappointing circumstances, we made the best of what we did have. 

PaPa Howard lived out his faith by serving others with humility.  This is the greatest example he could leave for us.  We're told in John 3:16 that "God so love the world that he sent his one and only son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life."  Because of God's gift of salvation in Christ, I rejoice today knowing that my PaPa is looking Jesus face to face, and is full of light as he hears, "well done, good and faithful servant"

PaPa wrote me a letter this time last year.  He said: 
"You are providing me with one of the best reasons to live longer.  I will be 84 in January.  My great grandkids will need to be at least 5 or 6 years old to have any memories of me." 

PaPa - Madison Claire will have memories of you - through the legacy you've left her and each of us.  A legacy of commitment, parenting, being present, hardworking, positive, to have a faith that can move mountains, and be of great character.  Thank you for these treasures you have instilled in us.  Until we meet again joyfully in heaven, I will keep you in my heart.