My Thanks and Gratitude

Our family has been surrounded by angels in the form of friends and relatives. All of you have given freely of your love and support and I thank you on behalf of my entire family.

Thank you for the beautiful flowers sent in remembrance of my Dad, Sugar. The Texas Divas Deborah, Paula F. and Paula P. - the flowers were gorgeous. Cheryl and Patty also added flowers to a room that was overflowing with beauty and warm thoughts. Thank you to Jan, my high school buddy, who drove that long distance to attend the funeral and give me Peanut M&Ms and a German Chocolate cake for my birthday. I shared that delicious treat with my family who gathered at my Mom's for dinner. The many cards, e-cards, phone calls - all are appreciated more than you know.

Many expressed regret that the funeral was held on my birthday. No, this is not the way I wanted to celebrate that day, but I was honored to celebrate my father's incredible life on that day. Donna and Angela pulled stories from memories, scrapbooks, cards and letters to give everyone a tiny glimpse of this man who was so big, so loved and respected, so pure in character, and talented in numerous ways. My cousin Joe did a wonderful job as he read the many glowing tributes to Sugar. James, my brother-in-law, shared many of his thoughts and memories of working with Dad to build his and Donna's house. Sugar was honored and remembered for all the times he was there with a helping hand, whether it was family, friend, or a stranger. My birthday will long be remembered as the day we told the world about an awesome man - my Dad.

My gratitude also extends to my Mother and siblings who banded together with love and support. How sweet that Mother was surrounded by her five children as she went about the difficult task of making arrangements. Whether it was the funeral home, the florist, or the cemetery, our close party of six took all the steps together. It thrilled my heart when one by one, each child came forward with a check or credit card to help defray the expenses for our Mother. If one needs a definition of family, this is it.

This was the last birthday I will share with Sugar in this life. As I bent to kiss his head and tell him I'd see him again soon, the pastor said, "The next time you kiss him, he will be warm."

How I look forward to that day!

Services for Sugar

Lowe Funeral Home
1102 East Goode Street
Quitman, TX 75783
903-763-2242

Family Visitation:

Wednesday, January 21, 6:00 - 8:00pm

Funeral Service:

Thursday, January 22, at 2:00pm in the Lowe Funeral Home Chapel

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Luke 14:2,3

Goodbye, My Sweet Sugar

Until we meet again.

January 15, 1927 - January 19, 2009

Happy Birthday, Sugar

My wonderful Dad, Sugar, is 82 years old today. Like the young strapping boy in the picture above, Sugar has lived his life with boundless energy and hard work. He's always been able to work circles around most people, regardless of their ages. I believe all that activity is what has kept him young in body and mind.

As of three weeks ago, Sugar was busy in his shop making parts for his customers. Now, a rapidly growing cancer has slowed him in his tracks. The doctors have handed him over to God and there's no better place for him to be. The Great Physician has all the answers and we trust in Him completely.

He and our Mother have lovingly held our family together for many, many years. We know the joy of being a part of a long and happy marriage and the priceless examples we were shown.

Donna and I have loved our roles as Daddy's Girls and we have cherished each moment we have spent with him. All his girls - daughters-in-law, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters know his warm, hearty embrace.

I am privileged and honored to visit this incredible man today on his 82nd birthday. He is already being bombarded with birthday cards and letters. His heart is full. He is everything to this family and we all love him dearly. Happy birthday, Sugar. May God bless you with many more.

My Cloud 9

Of course the tears were stinging my eyes when I opened this, my favorite Christmas present. Nothing could have been more perfect, more appropriate, than a group picture of my 9 grandchildren, my very own cloud 9. The timing was everything.

Many of you already know what a tough Christmas this has been for my family and me. I spent part of Christmas day at the hospital with Sugar, my Dad. He's been very sick and we are still waiting for test results so we will know how to proceed. So with the heartache we have all felt, this precious picture reminded me of the many blessings I have the honor to call my own. Each child is so beautiful, so unique, so important to the structure of our family unit. My heart swells with pride for each one. My heart overflows with love for each one of these precious babies.

My thanks to Ron, Allison and Angela for bringing the troops together for this priceless picture. I will treasure it forever. My heavenly cloud 9.

Please, readers, pray for my Dad, my Mother, our family. We appreciate your love and prayers.