“Setting the
New Standard for Funeral Service.”
NEWSLETTER
August 10, 2006
Once again I am at loss for where time
flies. The purpose of this
newsletter is to share with family and friends what is happening in the lives
of this sect of Bates’. I
wanted to try and write something every 30 days, but I guess 30 or so will do
(I am a procrastinator). The past
several weeks have been a whirlwind.
We have had the privilege to serve several families in the last 30 or so
days, including my own.
On July 22, 2006, we lost my Grandpa
Johnny Bates. It had 
been
wonderful getting to spend time with him again!! Then like a flash, it was his time to
go. Once again, I am reminded that
you never know who or when or even why.
Am I sad? Yes. Will Grandpa Johnny be missed? You betcha. But you know what? He had been here on this earth for over
88 years. Of those some 88 years,
only the last couple of months of his life here on earth were rough on him as
far as his physical condition. In
fact, his mind was as sharp as ever.
One of the last times I was able to see him, he looked at me and said, “Hello
Fat Boy.” Bates humor ----
isn’t it grand! The picture
you see is of Grandpa Johnny and Will and Caleb from the 4th of
July, 2006. Grandpa Johnny loved
fireworks and we got to take him outside of the
Kind of an update to the last newsletter
about following Will to watch him play Youth football….. Well, now I am a
coach for that little venture. It
has been hot but these 2nd and 3rd graders are
learning. It is really fun to help
coach them. The weird thing is now
I even see more of myself in Will.
Big heart, not much aggression.
School starts today. Time flies when you’re having
fun. We continue to gather the
Grass clan every 6 to 8 weeks for a get together (of course we eat) at the
Revelation 21 states (and I paraphrase):
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. There shall be no more death. Neither crying or sorrow, and no more
pain. For the former things have
all passed away.
I am glad for the faith I have in Jesus
Christ!
One more note, another old school
funeral director has gone on to meet his reward…. Jim Green. I don’t think that there ever will
be another more generous man in this profession. I am thankful for men like Jim who have
paved the way for us who are now carrying the torch. His kindness will live on for many years
to come.
Until next time, take care and
May Gob Bless and Keep Each of You,
Shawn
Bates
In
Memory of
Johnny
Bates
1917 ~ 2006
PS: If you want this newsletter emailed
to you, let me know where to send it by clicking here. I will keep archives of this newsletter
on the website.