Guy T. Kelley

After a long battle with various illnesses, my step-father, Guy T. Kelley has been called home. It happened earlier this week and the funeral was today. Unfortunately, because I am currently out of the country, I was unable to attend. We will be heading down to Springfield Missouri as soon as we get back to spend a few days with my mom and to say goodbye. On the up side, we have Internet access down here and I was able to share something that was read at the funeral. I would like to share that here.

With all of my heart, I wish I could be there with you in this great time of sadness. Know that I am with you in spirit and share in our families grief.

Several years ago, Guy had completely caught me off guard and asked me if I would speak at his funeral. I believe my exact response was a very unsure, "ummmm... Ok?". As I thought about it even more, I was honored that he would even ask. I certainly don't feel like u am anyone special or have any great pearls of wisdom to share. I'm not even related by blood. It was with this thought that I realized what was so special about Guy. Blood didn't matter. The world of blended families is filled with words that define our exact relationship with one another. We use words like "step" and "half" to describe how we are almost related, but not quite. With Guy, such descriptors did not exist. When we joined the family, we did not become his "step-children". We became his sons and daughter. All who came through the door were welcome members of the family. Without condition. To the many who have been considered "family" throughout the years, this has truly been a blessing.

For Guy, the last few years of his life have been extremely difficult. It is in his death that he finally has peace. There is no more pain. Breathe comes without effort. Imagine the simple joy he has in that one simple fact alone! And this would be the smallest of all the joys he now has. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him, shall not perish, but have eternal life. ForGod did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him". John 3:16-17. What a wonderful promise! It brings me great pleasure to know that we can all share in this joy with Guy one day! He will be sorely missed and it grieves us all to know that he is gone. However, we all rejoice in knowing that he is in a much better place.

We thank God for Guy's life and the legacy he is leaving behind through each of his children. He will be greatly missed and remembered for years to come.

Blessings to you all.
Love,
Michael