Wow! It has certianly been awhile since I last blogged. So much has happened in my life that it feels like a whirlwind! One thing for certain though is that I appreciate time more than anything now.
On June 26, I recieved a call in the early afternoon informing me that a very dear cousin had passed away from a peculiar form of brain cancer. She had the same kind that Ted Kennedy was announced having and they even had the same doctor at some point. At least that was what was mentioned at her funeral. She was bright, brilliant, intelligent and such a joy to be around! She was a producer for CNN and listening to her tributes at her homegoing she was "sho nuff for real". I am overwhelming proud of Chanda, she accomplished a great deal in 35 years. I will miss her dearly at Cousin's Sunday at my home. The comedic shows that Carol, her mother, Loren, her sister, and herself put on will never be forgotten! I will forever hear her laughing and clarifying why she was laughing! Rest in peace, my dear cousin! You are missed already! Hug Cousin Harold, Aunt Cle, Uncle Joe, and if you see Grandma Irene give her a big hug from me.
On that same day in the evening, I received a call informing me that a newly found friend and brother had also transistioned into Glory! Bishop AC Barnes, Anthony Charles that is, died in Mississippi from a heart procedure. We laughed at the fact that my name is Charles Anthoy and his name is Anthony Charles. We had talked on Monday and he was excited about the procedure because it would address the heart murmur he had since being a child! AC was the epitome of health! I am still trying to accept his absence and God only knows his wife and family is too! Along with the masses of people he touched during his 37 years here on earth. AC and I were forming a wonderful relationship. He came to see us at Christmas and we even went over to the church so he could see. I will forever hear him say, "Wallace, man we got to preach this Gospel" Wallace! I am going to miss my friend from Mississippi who adored his wife, brother and mother! He would drive 6 hours to see his brother coach and drive 6 hours back home to be at his church on Sunday morning! He was special. We meet in September 07 at Bishop Jakes' PHIPA conference and we hit it off! I suggested that we go off site for dinner one night during the conference and I chose the fabulous Old HIckory Steakhouse in the Gaylord hotel there in Orlando. I was familiar with their steak but AC was not. We ordered bone in ribeyes and my brother fell in love again and told everyone he met about his steak at Old Hickory! I was in Nashville last week and we stayed at the Gaylord. Paryn and I went to Old Hickory in remembrance of AC and yes, I had the bone in ribeye! AC it was great! Only God knows why he took you away from us so soon! And I know that He will make it clear to us in His perfect timing! I know you are up there shouting with the angels and crying HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! I miss you too buddy!
God is getting our attention!
Value every relationship and love each other as if it is your last day here on Earth! Yes, even I need to take heed to that!
In life, friends are few and if you have more than 5, you are blessed!
- Charles A Wallace II
