You saw correctly–that is a picture of a little flashlight. I always carry it in my purse and today it has special significance. You can understand because a very special man gave it to me the last time I saw him in August and today this very special man passed away. When he gave it to me he said it was so that I could carry the light with me and whenever I reach into my purse and find it I think of him. And today, I think of him even more.
He shared a name with a famous man–Jimmy Stewart—-but to me he will always be in my heart as the man with the biggest heart and kindest words. When I worked at Epworth UMC he was one of the “Monday Men” who came in and did odd jobs around the church. He always found his way into my office to sit and chat for a bit—to catch up on the family and to see what I was up to. He had a quick wit and always a big hug for me. The last time I saw him was no different. I was able to have lunch with 2 of my favorite couples from Epworth and catch up on their lives and what was happening. Jimmy was not one to venture outside his food comfort zone too much—he loved Mr. C’s and I had lunch after church with he and the gang there several times.
The human part of me is so sad today. Chris was trying to take my picture to update the one on my blog and he kept saying that I looked sad. Well, I am. I know that Jimmy is in the arms of our loving Lord now—no doubt about that—but the selfish part of me is sad. I will miss not being able to see him the next trip to Concord. I ache for his wife, Mary. There is going to be a big hole that a sweet man used to fill.
I am so thankful that I have had the chance to live the life that I have–to have my path cross the path of Jimmy Stewart. I am blessed and I know that if you knew him you feel my sadness and loss today, too. Jimmy Stewart = a great man. You will be missed, my friend.
