Celebration of Life

Today was bittersweet: a somber, yet joyous occasion celebrating the life of John Baylor ("Bay") Haralson.  Sadness at the loss of a friend mixed with the sweet memories of fellowship.  At one o'clock this beautiful Saturday afternoon, I walked into the fellowship hall of Hope Works Church.  I knew the memorial service would be well-attended, and I was not disappointed.  There were many people whom I did not know, and quite a few I haven't seen in ages.  The common denominator was the personal connection we had with Bay.  With ample time to visit with familiar faces, as well as to introduce myself to those I was not yet acquainted, an open time of sharing stories began at 1:30 p.m.  I did not share my personal experience; however, my story was also everyone else's: the warm touch of a man who God used to minister in our lives.  The pastor eloquently spoke of death as merely a doorway in to eternity.  Our friend is no longer with us physically, but we shall see him once again in Paradise.  Of course I miss my friend, but I carry the impact he made on my life.  I honor and celebrate the life of John Baylor Haralson.

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