Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Remembering Frankie
Inspired by a song I recently heard, the song entitled: “Love Shines Through by Lustral”:
As I was listening to this tune, It meant the world to me tonight after hearing of your sad news; but it made me reflect on the things we need to remember and also the things we need not forget. All we can do in this world is to keep our faith hope and hopefully in the end glory will be within all of us. One thing we do know, Frank Jr has got his glory now.
His travels as wide and diverse did not stem from the miles he put on his car nor the journey in his everyday steps; but an accumulation of memories of the love we all had with him among ourselves. The things we shared and the pain that goes along with all of that; the memories and the strength that keep us from tearing into ourselves over the loss of our loved one. Time will heal as they say.
The biggest item to remember and must not forgot is what he meant to all of us. He not only was a cousin, brother, son, nephew, friend and husband but most especially a father. He leaves a legacy hard to fulfill but in each of us we can fill the gaps that want to tear us apart.
Normally, when I get into this state of mind over something exciting or to the tragic, I almost always compose a poem; but it seems hard right now to get things to be in rhyme. So many thoughts without end, but we need to keep our thoughts of him; know what he meant to us while he walked this earth and know now he is without pain and suffering and is at the gates of Heaven.
We ourselves must muster the courage and continuing faith and hope to push, carry and whatever else it takes to keep his memory fresh and not blame ourselves for the tragedy but know we need to push forward. Don’t dwell on the pain even know it gives us strength and fortitude to keep on living and don’t let it be burden where the memory of Frank in our lives is lost forever. It cannot be, we were a part of his life one that he fulfilled on his own to the max he could give. Even from what was told to me over every phone call is he was continuing to fight thorough his surmountable burden.
Whatever the cost, whatever the stakes, everyone kept prayers, thoughts and cheerful gestures sent to him in many ways. Even with the most recent attempt from a long timer friend, his fight became a championing effort to conquer the odds. But as others have said; God has different plans of which we are not always privy, too. It is hard to fathom what ill fate God could bring on anyone, but is it a challenge to the situation or something more glorious we do not see or feel just yet.
Know that one day, we will be with Jesus and God his father and Mary along with the gathering of saints and all of our relatives, friends who kept and continue to keep the faith in God. And most importantly, support his family to help ease the transition of Frank Jr gone to Heaven.
I know I did not want to come off as a rambling passerby, but even with every phone call; I did experience Frank growing up beyond my college years and once I went on to my own aspiring life to include marrying, having a family and watching my own kids start their family; I never lost sight of keeping in touch with the Houghton’s. Aunt Barbara and Uncle Franny; you both have given me more than any Uncle and Aunt could ever support to a nephew. I will continue to cherish, love and support you both. The relationship transcends time and space.
Mary and I, love you both for all that you have shared with us and if only these thoughts help, I guess you know they are from the heart.
Harry and Mary Downs Jr and Family
September 21st 2018
Music attachment – “Love Shine Through by Lustral” original sent to Aunt Barbara
