This time of year my mind always goes back to the 6T Ranch and Charles and Anne Towery. Charles passed away on January 1st, then several years later Anne went to join him on January 29, 2003.
That particular New Years day was one I'll never forget. We got the call that Charles had passed. We were invited to come up to the ranch. So we loaded up our three children and headed up the Katy Hockley Cut-Off.
Several friends of the family were there, and Anne greeted us in an unusually warm and gracious manner, considering she had just lost the love of her life. Although "lost" is not exactly accurate. After a bit Anne asked, "Do you want to see Charles?" At first I didn't understand what she meant until Nona whispered, "He's laid out in the sunroom." I don't normally like to go to funerals, and "viewings" even less. There is something about a dead person laying at the other end of the room. But this was different.
Anne escorted our family into the sunroom where, to the right, along the wall, laid Charles. It was a moment in time, especially for the children. They were in awe. Anne gently and tenderly talked with each child, then led us in prayer. I honestly can't remember exactly what she prayed, but I do remember it was a blessing. She prayed a specific blessing on each of our children. I don't know how she did it without breaking up.
The drive home was phenomenal. The kids were buzzing with excitement and a sense of wonder. They had comprehended life and death, heaven and eternity in a whole new way. Kelli was leaning forward between the seats making observations about Charles and Anne and what she had just witnessed. Anne's sweet and gentle manner had led our children down a path they had never known.
Talk about values clarification.
Every year in January my thoughts turn to Charles and Anne Towery and the amazing influence this godly couple had on our family.
Heb 13:7
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (NIV)
That particular New Years day was one I'll never forget. We got the call that Charles had passed. We were invited to come up to the ranch. So we loaded up our three children and headed up the Katy Hockley Cut-Off.
Several friends of the family were there, and Anne greeted us in an unusually warm and gracious manner, considering she had just lost the love of her life. Although "lost" is not exactly accurate. After a bit Anne asked, "Do you want to see Charles?" At first I didn't understand what she meant until Nona whispered, "He's laid out in the sunroom." I don't normally like to go to funerals, and "viewings" even less. There is something about a dead person laying at the other end of the room. But this was different.
Anne escorted our family into the sunroom where, to the right, along the wall, laid Charles. It was a moment in time, especially for the children. They were in awe. Anne gently and tenderly talked with each child, then led us in prayer. I honestly can't remember exactly what she prayed, but I do remember it was a blessing. She prayed a specific blessing on each of our children. I don't know how she did it without breaking up.
The drive home was phenomenal. The kids were buzzing with excitement and a sense of wonder. They had comprehended life and death, heaven and eternity in a whole new way. Kelli was leaning forward between the seats making observations about Charles and Anne and what she had just witnessed. Anne's sweet and gentle manner had led our children down a path they had never known.
Talk about values clarification.
Every year in January my thoughts turn to Charles and Anne Towery and the amazing influence this godly couple had on our family.
Heb 13:7
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (NIV)
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