Tell the Truth and Say "I Love You"

Saturday morning, I was struck with shocking news. My dear friend Katie's father, Mike, had suddenly passed away on the morning of her senior prom. My heart broke into a million pieces for her; she was always so close to her dad, he was her best friend. 

This picture was taken only 3 short years ago when we were deep sea fishing. Little did I know, this picture would mean so much to me today.


It's like Rascal Flatts took the words straight from my heart in "I Won't Let Go":

It’s like a storm
That cuts a path
It breaks your will
It feels like that

You think your lost
But your not lost on your own
Your not alone
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
If you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go

It hurts my heart
To see you cry
I know it’s dark
This part of life
Oh it finds us all
And we’re too small
To stop the rain
Oh but when it rains

I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight

And I wont let you fall

Don’t be afraid to fall
I’m right here to catch you
I wont let you down
It wont get you down
Your gonna make it
Yea I know you can make it

Cause I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
And I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go
Oh I’m gonna hold you
And I wont let go
Wont let you go
No I wont

Mike was such a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He loved everyone and never talked badly behind anyone's back. He was always "glad to be here." He always told the truth and he never ended a conversation with any of his children without saying "I love you" multiple times.

Maybe we should all take some time to reevaluate our character and learn some lessons from Mike. 

Since Saturday, many tears have been shed, memories have been remembered, and prayers have been prayed. The Mattox family will continue to be in grief for more than just today so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they face this very difficult time. Katie is a strong girl and she can fight this fight, but she will feel weakness, and we need to be there to help hold her up with love and support.