Sweet Memories of Bro. Chester

One year ago, April 16, 2012, Bro. Chester came to his journey's end.  I have thought so much of Sis. Chester today.  Her facebook posts of the past year have been filled with encouragement and words of love.  She continues to show what a true lady she is even in this difficult time.  May the Lord let his warmth and peace fill her day. 

 

I have wonderful memories of Bro. Chester, and Clark has many.  Last night he spoke of the times that Bro. Chester taught the Lighthouse boys a few basketball skills.  Clark talked of how Bro. Chester taught them more in a couple of hours than anyone else had ever taught them.  He spoke of Bro. Chester being the "man-in-charge" at camp, but yet working and cooking right along with the rest of the staff. 

 

Bro. Chester loved to hold Avery when he was a tiny.  He always said Avery reminded him so much of Justin as a baby with their blonde hair and blue eyes.  I have a wonderful picture of Bro. Chester holding Avery up to the basketball hoop in the gym at church and Avery holding on for dear life.  Avery was fascinated with balls when he was a toddler and Bro. Chester made sure that he had plenty of them to play with (and me to clean up!)

 

Bro. Chester gave me a phone call one day.  He was in need of a personal secretary at the TN UPCI District office.  He told me that he would love for me to take the job. He explained the hours would be 8-5, Monday to Friday.  Sis. Hazel Hilliard was retiring, and he needed someone to "attempt" to fill her shoes.  I do not believe that was a possibility!  I was so honored that he believed in me enough to take on this great responsibility.  A part of me wanted to say YES.  But, there was another part of me that had a 3 year old Avery and a 1 year old Riley, and just couldn't imagine being away from them for that many hours during the day.  Clark and I prayed about it, and several days later I had to call back and tell Bro. Chester thank you, but no.  I explained that I would love the position, but I wanted to be with my boys as much as possible during this time in their life.  Bro. Chester told me he had a feeling of what my answer might be, but wanted to ask.  He said no one had ever turned him down for any better reason!  He always knew how to make anyone feel good about themself!

 

The last time that Clark and I were able to see Bro. Chester we showed him a picture of Isabella, and explained that we were taking steps to adopt her.  He said she was a lucky little lady. 

 

We are the ones that are not only lucky, but blessed to have known such a man as Bro. Chester.  He impacted so many lives with his consistent, steadfast walk with the Lord!  I know he would tell us today that  the joys of heaven are worth the journey to get there!