My Tribute to Aunt Mae

For those who have only known us for our mainly "adult" lives or at least the last 20-25 years most likely does not understand how Roxanne and I and our family are so affected by the passing of an aunt. But you must understand Max and Mae Yother were more than an "uncle and aunt" as Keith Cofield said speaking at Max's funeral three years ago.

They were never privileged to have birth children in their 48 years of marriage, but as I went into their house last night and saw again this entire room dedicated to doll houses, a crib, tons of small toys....I thought, "Wow, what a room for a couple who didn't have children."

No, they had so many children through their nieces and nephews and families. They gave Roxanne and me our first house to live in after moving from Sardis Baptist Church in 1981. They GREATLY shared in the raising of both our boys spendings hours-and-hours at their clean up shop in Boaz waxing, washing and even buffing cars. When we would drive home to Boaz, most of the time our first stop would be at "The Shop."

So when Mae was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer September 6, she clearly let it be known who would be taking care of her and we are so honored to be apart of that care family. Since she left her hospital room exactly one week ago this morning still feeling no pain from the cancer, we did not know we would have to make two life-death decisions within less than seven days. And now funeral plans.....it has happened so fast.

So while we are not technically blood kin, I am so blessed to call you family - Sumer Newman Smith, Joanna JeffandJoanna Patterson, George Walker and families. We share in this grief and great loss. Pound cakes will never be the same...holiday celebrations will always have an empty seat and cake platter...those red vehicles won't be pulling up in our driveways...Aroney will always be void of a precious couple and a house will never be the same.

I'm so blessed to part of this family....feeling deep pain but only because of having experienced great joys and blessings. So I will gladly endure the pain because our precious Lord has assured us of a day coming when all the pain will be gone and there will be no more separation. Eternally with our Lord as a family with all the family of God. "What a day that will be.." Until then..."weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning."