Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your fears and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you.
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.
Turner~ Parsons lyrics
Charlie Chaplin~ music
Today is the memorial service for one of my favorite people in the world. I cannot be there, but I can share a few thoughts and memories about Uncle Allan.
From a very young age, I learned that when he came to visit, it was going to be a very fun, special time. I learned this from my Mother, who I know had a very special love for her oldest brother.
Uncle Allan always had a smile for everyone and a way of making you feel very special. He was a soft-spoken man and used endearing terms like Sweetheart and Honey when talking to his numerous nieces. I have fond memories of camping trips to the lake, waterskiing, visits to the Tekoa farm and lots of story-telling in the evening. He loved to share the antics of his childhood that almost always involved my mother! There was lots of mischief to get into when you lived on a farm! I remember the time he was stranded in Spokane because Mt. St. Helens blew and he couldn’t get a flight out. He had been to Portland on business and had flown over that beautiful mountain just days before!
I know that I will miss him dearly. He leaves us all with a wonderful legacy of love for family. May we all live equal to his great example.
