My dear old friend is gone, he left me on a Saturday evening, just like him to not want to interfer with everyone's work week.
He believed in an honest day's work and respected a hard working man or woman
He was raised by his mother in the early 1900's, she single handedly raised 12 children, six of whom were her cousin's and six of her own, Roy being the tail end of the bunch.
I only had the honor of knowing Roy for 288 days, not even a year, but it was a wonderful experience.
He taught me so much in that short time, to love unconditionally, to always thank a person for the smallest favor, to sing praises to the Lord everyday.
We had fun, every day was a treat being with Roy, he made it fun.
Of course he suffered from Alzheimer's, or I should say we that loved him, suffered.
Roy didn't seem to notice, but his family had to watch his long journey goodbye, and watch him loose his dignity.
Fifteen years this dreaded disease robbed him a little more each day, I watched it for his last 288 days, and it was an emotional roller coaster
Some funny moments, some hysterical moments and some just heartbreaking.
The night before he passed away he was the old dignified Roy, he placed his hand on my back and said,
"do you know I love you very much" and I said "yes Roy, I know you do"
then he said "I want to thank you for everything you've done for me"
I nodded and said, "Roy you need to ask Jesus to come for you soon", he shook his head yes.
I slept in a chair by his bedside all night as I had for several weeks, the next morning he went into a coma, and was gone by evening.
I will never forget him, nor will my family. he brought joy into our lives.
And I know he is now free of the crippled body and the alzheimer's, and is joyful in the Lord.
I also know with certainty that when it's my turn to go to heaven, Roy will be waiting for me, and that makes me smile.