On the behalf of my children, I'd like to thank you for the comfort and strength you have given to each of us. Pop would have been so humbled to see that love and support. As Paul said in Philippians, "For me; to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Pop's gained the sight of His Kingdom now, and he has heard those words he waited so long to hear; "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

It's been four days since the funeral, but it already feels like an eternity has passed by us. He's home; he's free. Thank you, again, for your comfort.

One of Pop's favorite hymns was "The Old Rugged Cross." He heard the song, and it brought tears to his eyes. My nephew sang this song for him on Thursday. God bless.

Joe


The Old Rugged Cross

"On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown."