I want to apologize for the craziness regarding my post last week. On Monday, my desktop computer displayed the dreaded blue screen of death. Ultimately, I had to wipe it clean, and therefore, I submitted my blog using my iPad. Disaster! My two personal emails, which I use for testing, ended up in my junk folder. I hope this problem is fixed for this week's column.
Now, this week's blog. It's personal.
My brother-in-law, Richie Young, passed away last Saturday morning at the age of 68. He fought many health challenges for decades, but if you knew Richie, you never saw it in his face. He had a smile for everyone.
We've all heard the saying, "He/she had no enemies." Richie is the only person I know who fits that definition.
"He was the nicest person..." This is probably the most definitive description from his family and friends.
God has an interesting way of preparing the exit for folks. On Saturday, June 28, Richie's family gave him a surprise birthday party. Family and friends came from far away to celebrate. He was stunned and so grateful. During the toasts, I was particularly touched by words from his son, Austin, and his daughter, Alex. I know his son, Jordan, has the same strong feelings about their Dad.
As I mentioned, God has a hand in our lives. Only a few hours before his passing, Richie and his wife, Sue, enjoyed a family dinner with his kids. Family meant everything to him.
Richie's faith was always important to him, but it was more evident than ever in the last decade of his life. Three years ago, he married a wonderful woman he met on a Catholic dating online forum.
Sue Tribe Young came along in Richie's life at a perfect time. I don't think I've ever seen more love between two people in my life. They adored each other. I said I've never known anyone else like Richie, who doesn't have an enemy. I am willing to bet that Sue falls in that same category.
Richie was my brother-in-law, but he always called me 'Uncle' Tommy. He did that with all of the brothers-in-law.
Richie was a die-hard Bama fan. However, two of his children attended LSU and were members of the marching band. So, he donned the purple and gold in their honor.
He wore those colors once when he and I were to attend a Bama-LSU game in Tuscaloosa. We were trying to buy game tickets outside the stadium. Eventually, I had to ask him to move away from me so I could find a willing Bama fan to sell me two tickets. (Somehow, the prices were much higher when he stood next to me!)
One of the stranger moments occurred late in the game when Greg McElroy threw a late touchdown pass to Julio Jones. I know the fans near us were perplexed as we witnessed this guy dressed in purple and gold standing and cheering along with the rest of us!
But the real memories I have of 'Uncle' Richie came from phone calls and personal conversations. I can't count the times he asked how I was doing, or how Lane, the kids, and grandkids were doing. Even though I knew he was going through tough times over the years, he always cared about others.
I titled this blog 'Inherit the Earth' because I remember the Beatitudes taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:3-12. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
Some folks in our times misunderstand the meaning of meek. I love the clarification from Father Mike Schmitz. He states that it is not weakness, but strength under control.
I especially appreciate Fr. Mike's explanation regarding relational posture.
- We listen more than we speak.
- We respond instead of react.
- We avoid using our strength to dominate, instead using it to serve.
Finally, Fr. Mike says, "Meekness is not weakness-it's strength surrendered to God. The meek inherit the earth because they refuse to grasp for it; they receive it as a gift."
I do not doubt that Richie has made it to heaven. His wonderful wife, Sue, his kids, Austin, Jordan, and Alex, along with all his family and friends, are blessed to have known him.
I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts about my brother-in-law. He taught me and many others how to enjoy life with class, caring, and a ready smile.
Thanks, and God Bless,
Tommy Please share the new website with as many people as possible. And, thanks again for supporting my book!
www.tommyfulton.com
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