As a young girl I can remember feeling so empty. I longed to have my dad love me and be proud of me.
I found that affirmation from the most unlikely of people. The neighbor around the corner. Mr Crowder.
I dont remember what year they moved into the neighborhood. I just remember his quirkiness. He had a great sense of humor. He had a great relationship with his wife and 2 daughters.
I felt safe when I went to the Crowder house. I didn’t feel judged or critized. I just felt welcomed.
I was saddened when our family moved to California. BUt my friendship with Mr Crowder did not end there. I kept in touch with him over the years. There was nothing creepy or weird. He was my stand in dad. He was there to give me advice and acknowledgement. Things I did not get from my own dad.
He was during my teen years when my parents were going through the divorce. And especially while my dad lived in Saudi Arabia and distance made it difficult to talk to my dad.
Mr Crowder was an awesome man. He was awesome while I was in Korea and I just needed a dad talk to make it through missing home. When I got back to the states I still continues talking to him. I visited him a few times while I was in the Army. He always jabbed at me about going into the wrong branch. Something I continue to chuckle at
I remember at the of 1993 he was planning to retire from the Air Force after 30 years. In February of 1994 he was going through his discharge physical. I remember him telling me that they found a black spot on his lung during that physical. He really did not make a big deal about it so I did not either.
But within a few months of his retirement Mr Chowder took his last breath after a short but hard fight with lung cancer. I was devastated that he died so quickly.
Luckily I was able to see him in the summer of 1994 for a brief visit. I did not realize that was goodbye. But I think I was at peace to know I got to see him before he passed.
I lost contact with his wife and kids after that. I was not sure where I would fit into their grieving process. Especially because my relationship was manly with him and not his family
Mr Crowder taught me so much in such a short 10 years. I am so glad GOD brought him into my life during such a hard time in my life. I continue to pray for his family and their healing.
To GOD Be The GLORY. Take Care. Much Love
