Human nature loves routine. Our church has no seating order but somehow we all float to the same pews every Sunday. For the past 5 years that I've attended Flagstaff Tabernacle, I've sat on the right side, half way back. Two rows in front of me sits the Terrin family. This morning when I was awoken with the call that our brother and friend Mike had passed away, I thought of the picture I will always see when I think of Brother Mike. I will think of his hand on the small of Charlene's back... especially when we would bow our heads to pray. I think because Charlene had shared the testimony of how God had saved their marriage, it always represented a miracle. He was the strong silent type. The protector. You always felt like he would have his arms around his family and friends watching out for them. He has left a very young family but I pray that the strength he offered in his years on earth and the love that was so evident for his little boy and beautiful girls will stay behind. To know beyond the shadow of a doubt that someone loves you and believes in you - is a gift that not every father gives. My heart aches for you Charlene... Christin... Danny... Mikey.... your Dad was a very special man. He was a policeman... a soldier for Lord... a person who really lived for others. There will always be a hole where he sat... That little afternoon last summer that I thought was a routine event of family photos has now become something very important - and a lesson for me is to realize that even the small things we do in life can end up with monumental impact. I will always be grateful for the time I got to spend with the family that day. Mike... you may have lost the battle with cancer... but I'm confident that as you're greeted in heaven... you'll be awarded with metals for your contribution to the war. My love and condolences for all that Mike loved. May you live your lives in honor and respect of your Dad, Husband and friend who will always support you even when he's not here!
That is very beautiful. Thank you for such thoughful words....and the great memories in the picturs. The Avelars
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures left for us to look at. RIP Mike!
ReplyDeleteIt is not the critic who counts, not the person who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena: whose faces are marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strive valiantly; who err and come short again and again…who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at least know in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst if they fail, at least fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
ReplyDeleteMike was a great father, brother, boss and friend. we will always remember him. sleep well my brother at arms, til we meet again.
you couldn't have said it better. mike was a wonderful man whom will be remembered forever for the impact he has made on everyones life he touched. I hope his strength reaches out to his family to get them through this rough time.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that made you so special to so many people was your talent at making everyone you met feel like they themselves were your best friend. The end result is a world of best friends. Good job!!!
ReplyDeletethe look in his eyes said it all..."I love you, I accept you, I will be there for you" Please God, let us never forget those eyes.
ReplyDeleteLee
Thank you for the reminder, Sarah. These have a new beauty about them.
ReplyDeleteIt was a joy and an honor to know Mike. I know he is in the arms of God watching down with that smile we all remember so well. God Bless all of you!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He is in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteThank you for capturing our love on film. You are a talented young lady. Your most recent blog was precious and written with such grace.
Thank you my friend.
Love,
Charlene
Such a beautiful family! Mike will truely be missed by all who knew him.
ReplyDelete♥The Campbells♥
WOW! I did not know this family but you so eliquently described a beautiful picture of love and happiness. Rest in Peace and prayers to the family and friends who loved and respected this man.
ReplyDeleteFrom another who didn't know you but is amazed by the beauty of these pictures--the photos capture the love all of you had, and have differently now, as a family. So very sorry for your loss. Your comfort is being prayed for.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious group of words. I hope and pray that Charlene and her children will find strength to move ahead. Mike was a one of kind gentleman who will be remembered for his kind heart, and his great smile. Charlene, I remember attending your wedding back in the good old days. I worked with Mike my whole career and shared many fond memories of both you and he. Thank you for those, thank you for Mike. God Bless you and your future.
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