Dear Family,
I have never done this before, but I want to express my sadness at your loss. I didn't know Mr.Lewis, but I read his obituary in the Thursday edition of the Muskegon Chronicle, and felt compelled to reach out and express my thoughts. From the words in the obit,it was apparent that Mr. Lewis lived a rich life, filled with many close friends and relatives, whom he cherished, and held close to his heart.
The person who wrote this tribute in the form of an obituary found just the perfect message and the right way to honor a great man, who lived well, and loved well. And that drew me in to reading the entire thing, and also made me think about how he seemed to take each day, and wrung everything out of it that God had for him to find. From the picture of him, I can almost feel the kindness and the character that was in his heart.
I am sorry to take your time to write this unusual message to you, while you are suffering such pain, which I also have suffered from in the last 5 years, with the loss of my parents almost exactly one year apart to the day. They lived lives that echoed each other, often finishing their own sentences.
I share your grief at the loss of your family member/friend, and will hold your entire group up in prayer, that God will comfort you in your sorrow, giving you assurance that Melvin is seated close to God, listening to His wisdom and stories of how He made the universe, and Mr. Lewis is also rejoicing with those who left earth earlier, and have been waiting to see him again. As a Christian, I am one of those kind who actually believe that prayer effects things, and so I will pray for your family, expecting that the Lord will reach out and touch you in what ever way He feels that you need.
I am sorry for reaching out like this, a total stranger, but I was just touched by the story of your loved one's life, and the quality of his character. Please be comforted knowing that Mr.Lewis lived a life well worth living.
Tim Kies
tlk78@yahoo.com