It's been 12 days since my father-in-law passed away. In some ways I can't believe it's been that long, in other ways, it feels like it's been even longer. I didn't know my father-in-law very well. Brian and I have been married for three years. We spent the first year in Arizona, and for the last, Dwight has been ill. I can't express what a blessing it was to me to sit with his family and friends for the days leading up to his funeral and hear about the Dwight they all knew so well.
What an incredible man. A god-fearing, faithful, loving man. There were countless stories, from people he knew from every stage of his life, of how he made such a huge impact. One of my favorite stories is how he spent every Thanksgiving delivering meals to those in need. Instead of merely dropping off the meal, which I'm sure was a blessing in and of itself, he would take the time to talk with them and prayer for them. What a perfect picture of who he was. Always authentically caring for others. Always taking the time to find out what was going on in their lives. Always desiring to share Christ's love. What an example of who we all should be.
Although I did not know Dwight well, as I heard stories about him, I realized that I have seen a beautiful picture of who he is through Brian. One of the things I love most about Brian is his willingness and desire to befriend and love those society may call outcasts. Brian is one of the most accepting, welcoming people I know. He truly tries to love people as Christ loves them. After hearing the stories about Dwight, I know that Brian learned that from his father.
Although Dwight is now with Jesus, he is still making an impact on this world. The values and character he instilled in Brian is continuing to change the lives countless people. And I am confident that as our children grow, Brian will pass the same characteristics on to them. What a beautiful legacy. Let it live on forever.
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