“Grief never ends… But it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.”

Unknown

This was the last round of golf Paul and I ever played together. One day earlier we witnessed the eclipse in Madras, OR. When I look at this picture I wonder what he was thinking. He knew his cancer had returned. His mind must have been racing. It is hard to imagine the weight of uncertainty.

Another year has passed, four now since our friend slipped away from us. There are not many words left to fully express how much Paul is missed. He was missed deeply at Bradley and Jessie’s wedding last July. He would have been elated for the bride and groom and he would have been proud, very proud. Paul would have grieved with Lee and his family after the sudden passing of Beth. He would have been a comfort to them all. It’s just not the same without his laugh and kind voice.

Paul moved through life will all of its ups and downs. Regardless of what was happening in his own life he never failed to be kind to friends and strangers. Don’t get me wrong, he was not perfect, who is? He was intentional in his kindness and in his gratitude. Our world could use a whole lot more of his intentionality today.

Each one of us has the opportunity today to pass along a kindness and perhaps it will bring Paul back for just a moment. He would have liked knowing this is how we remember him. He would have loved it. Imagine how different our world could be.