Letter To My Centurion Friend

Dear Mary I arose from bed this morning with you in mind. While awake and still in bed, I reminisced the years we shared and the JOY you brought to so many lives. You were always delightful and 'pure JOY' to be around. I reflected upon your 97th birthday celebration that I was privileged to attend and recalled the visit with you in the nursing home. That was 3 or 4 years ago, and I have longed to see you since. But then came COVID-19 in 2020, and we were not able to see you again. Why, there are many things that I could say, but I will settle for simply two more treasured jewels about you. My wife knew you first and spoke often and lovingly of you. I tell you Mary, I loved you before I knew you. And then, the privilege was all mind when I met you. Your face of grace arrested me, and the loving spirit of your presence captured me. There was something you usually said each time we visited with you that most overwhelmed me. You would say, "I don't know why The Lord has me here for so long". Mary, my dear friend, I suspect the reasons are numerous, but none ring out more to me than the JOY I see in you and the Spirit of Christ projected from your entire being. Would to God that there were more centurions like you. Your Friend, Sitruc 072622PSCtest, A BRIAN STRAND PREMIERE CHOICE, Brian Strand