He called me into church ministry......music, children and youth.
And in the early 90's, there were very few female youth ministers. We were the minority. While our classmates were getting married and having babies, we were going to concerts, white water rafting, pizza nights, football games, spring recitals, weightlifting meets, and boy scout ceremonies.
Those years are so precious to me. See, I didn't have children at the time....so my youth became my "babies"...my little brothers and sisters.
There are those who grew closer to you than others just because of the bond you had.
There are those who:
- would show up at your house without any notice just to chat.
- called you at the break of dawn to ask you to rush to the ER to because their friend was in critical condition.
- when they went to college, your food budget lowered $100 a month.
- loved to embarrass you in public any chance they could...in a loving way, of course.
- came to you soon after a break up.
- rushed to you when they were worried their parents were splitting up.
There was one youth, in particular, who came from a strong, loving Christian family. Their family was there for me all the time, from helping me move to encouraging me every day.
This kid also had such a bond with me and my husband.
He was the one came to you to let you know they were going to MC, a Baptist College. (of course, I was estatic, since I grew up Baptist!!!) He did mention a big part of the decision was a girl!
And that girl was an angel. And this one youth was one of my heroes. He was faithful to be in church, Bible study, etc. He was an Eagle Scout. His phrases automatically ended with mam' and sir without hesitation. He adored his nieces. He finished law school. He made me proud of his choice in a wife. He kept in touch. He was one of these who would show up at the drop of a hat. He was only a phone call away when you needed.
One of my "babies" became my hero. I can hear him singing the Veggie Tales Cheeseburger song and Newsboys "Entertaining Angels". I miss him now more than ever.
Many called you "Tony", but you will always be Anthony to us. :) And I miss you terribly. Wishing I could email you to let you know we are heading to the states in less than a month and that you need to see these little blonde hair fireballs of mine. I wish we could visit so you could call my husband "Bud" one more time.
Katy, you are not alone. You have never met us, but you are still special to us. You made on of my "babies" the one of the happiest, giddiest young men ever. You supported him and loved him just like God wants us, the church, to love Him. My prayers are with you....along with my thoughts and tears.
