This evening, Tommy's grandfather passed away. Almost eight months ago, a tornado came through Doe Valley and destroyed much of his property, but thankfully his home wasn't harmed. Days later, he collapsed with a heart attack. Since that day his health rapidly declined, but the Lord allowed the family time to spend with him over the last while. They have cherished this time with him, and I know those memories will not be forgotten.
We were blessed to gather and spend this Thanksgiving with him.
After his barn was destroyed by the tornado, he gave Tommy the old timbers from it to use in our house. About a month ago, he wanted to come and see the house. Tommy and Eddie carried him upon our porch in his wheelchair.
Then, on Sunday we all met to celebrate his 87th birthday. He said before his party that he hoped this was the best birthday he'd ever had. We all knew it would most likely be his last.
In the years I knew him, Wayne Lowe, was a man of few words, but those he said were honest. I don't know that I've ever known a man so, as the old saying goes, "tough as a pine knot." In the last while, he defied the odds time and time again. He was a man that lived through more than most young people today could even imagine in their farthest dreams. Just a kid, he lied about his age so that he could join the Army. Years from legally being an adult, he survived the Battle of the Bulge. In the years I knew him, I seldom heard him speak of the war. I can only imagine the scars this man carried through his life having seen firsthand sites that I still can't bear to read about. Tommy found this song a while back and said it reminded him so much of his grandfather. So, I thought I'd share:
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