Thank You
Merry Christmas to all faithful readers of House Calls! I can't explain how much your comments, prayers and wishes for me and my family touched me these last two days, concerning the loss of Mom. I received an e-mail from a dear pastor's wife this morning that gave me strength to face yet another day of sadness and to begin to lift myself from the sorrow into the love and comfort of Jesus.

There is no place like home, and home is all you brothers and sisters out there that compose the great Body of Christ! Thanks for lifting me up in your thoughts and prayers this week, as they are felt and appreciated. I only wish that you could have been at the funeral with me, though I know that your prayers were there.

I'm here in Anderson yet another day, but plan to drive back tonight. It's tough to leave. I want to go by Hospice House and thank all the nurses and techs who took good care of Mom. I want to write a personal letter to all my first cousins who were here Wednesday and thank them for supporting me and our family. I want to thank God today for my Dad who's still alive, and who took the wife and me out to eat last night at a fantastic restaurant in Clemson.

I'm also deeply grateful for Tom, who married Mom last year and was there by her side through this entire cancer ordeal. He's such a sincere, open and honest fellow—you don't find men of his caliber much anymore. May the Lord bless him in the days ahead. He has my utmost respect and love for being good to Mom.

Thanks to all of you.