Coming up Aug. 2 will be my sixth year without Aubrey. Those that have experienced the loss of their spouse who was “their world” know how hard it is to go on and function when everything inside of you tells you that’s not possible. The hurt like an open would that just can’t heal, the tears that always manage to fall and a broken heart that will only beat happily again when I am back with Aubrey someday.

God gave me the words to write the following “loving tribute” to Aubrey shortly after his passing in 2011 and those words still hold true today as they did then.

As we journey through this life, we may sometime encounter that one person who towers above all others. For me, that was Aubrey, because he had no hidden agenda to succeed in life as so many do. More honest as the day is long, truly described this wonderful man that God blessed me with for over 40 years. No one could ever measure up to him in my eyes. I’ve had the “Best of the Best.”

Aubrey’s three special friends at Glenda’s DeKalb Market – Janice (Spider), Debbie (Deb) and Jackie (his Yankee) know this big guy loved and treasured them because they made him feel so very special each and every time he was there.

Everyone, Aubrey is still missing you here on the mountain – a void that cannot ever be filled. I know though when your name comes up in the conversation, oh the stories that will be told, because you were Aubrey, so special, so unique and so loved by so many.

I always in your shadow yet loving you with all my heart and ever so proud of you and what you stood for in this life.

The legacy you have left for all of us: be yourself, be honest and treat others the way you want to be treated. You got it right, Aubrey, and now you are with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You were a treasure for us here but an even bigger treasure for Heaven.

When Heaven’s gates opened wide for your arrival, I feel like the Lord said, “Well done, well done, my faithful child. You have served Me so well and your rewards, Aubrey, are so many.”

Aubrey, my life has been forever changed because of you, but my love for you never changing.

If you have any news for the column, just give me a call at 615-563-4429.

Have a great day!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1