Tribute to a Man I Love

Have you ever had someone that made an impact on your life, but you never told them until it's too late? I have. Russell Dunn. He was a deacon (among other things) at a little Baptist church in Creighton for years. He always had something to say and a great sense of humor. My dad has used him as an example in his walk with God for years.

Why is he so special? There are many reasons, but here's one in particuliar: one year at HCS, we were having a grandparents' celebration. My younger brother and I were bummed because we knew that our grandparents wouldn't be able to make the 3 hour trip for a banquet. Russell and his wife Helen stepped in and acted like our grandparents for the night. Well, we never really gave up the thought. They've always been a 3rd set of grandparents for us.

A few years ago, they had to move out of their old house to a house next door to their daughter near Springfield. Yeah, Springfield. We've missed them, but kept in contact via email, letters, and one visit about a year ago. Last week, our pastor asked me if I would be a back up to play the piano at the funeral, just in case he passed while the other pianist is out of town. I gave in. For him I would. Yesterday, I practiced the song with the soloist and decided that I didn't think that I could.

After fellowship dinner, the church phone rang. It was their daughter, Barbara. Russell had just passed away. My heart sank. I didn't even say good-bye. But I'll say it now, "Good bye, Russell. I'll miss you. You'll always be near my heart. Thank you for all you have done. I'll see you in glory."

"I can do all things through Christ who strengths me." Philippians 4:13