Betsy Heard
One day, as we walked, we talked of the early days at good old
Norwood Baptist church. I love the pictures of Carolyn, Debby and I,
stair steps, in our Sunday best, headed off to church. Bonnets, gloves,
frilly dresses. the works.
Mom and Dad both taught Sunday school early on. We reminisced
about the kids he taught, and pastors that came and went, when,
seemingly, out of the blue, he comes out with a scripture I can only
surmise he had memorized some 60 years ago when he was teaching SS
for there were memory verses to be memorized in SS and far be it from
Dad to require of his kids that which he did not require of himself.
This was the second time I had heard Dad quote this verse. Once, a
year or so prior when Mom and Ricky and I were together with him
and, then again.
The verse was from John 14. Jesus is speaking.
“In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, would I
have told you I go and prepare a place for you. And when I go to
prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you unto myself,
that were I am you may be also,”
I CAN NOT imagine a more comforting scripture than this. It touches
my heart to know that The Holy Spirit would bring this verse to his
mind after some 60 years lying in wait to comfort him... at this time....
in his life. That still small whisper, “John, I go and prepare a place you and I will come again and take you unto myself, that where I am
you may be also.”
I have a vision of Dad in majestic surroundings. He is in in his prime. He is
healthy, handsome and happy. And he is laughing. He is happy and
laughing and in this, my heart is glad.
Dad, I want to thank you for the lifetime of love and support you gave
me. For a great upbringing and a firm foundation. You always
welcomed my friends into our home and as part of our family. You will
live on in the fondest of my memories and in the memories of the
many, many lives you have touched. Thank you for being such a great
Father, Mentor and Friend.
I Love you Dad
Daughter Betsy