paul

My friend Paul is a great guy. People always need a Paul in their lives. Paul is a constant servant, he always makes time for people and he loves to do things for his friends. Some people simply want to tell you how much they like you, or perhaps more telling, they want to convince you that they really are good people. Paul isn't like that, Paul will work his fingers to the bone to show you that he loves you.

Paul is not a well educated guy. He is not a professor or a theologian. He loves Jesus, but isn't all that interested in trying to tell other people the answers. Paul has never really figured out to condemn people...maybe his life has something to do with that.

Paul you see, in an alcoholic. For years he drank too much. Maybe it had something to do with seeing too many war-time duties. Paul never knew how to discern when he had too much, of course until the day he decided not to drink anymore. Never had a drop after that.

Paul also smokes. He knows he should stop, but it's a nasty habit you see. Besides, he already has the emphysema, so is it really worth stopping? Oh, and don't count on that emphysema thing keeping Paul from refinishing a table, painting a bathroom, building a garden or working on any other project that needs done.

Paul loves his wife, Bonnie. He talks about her all the time. She is the prettiest, smartest, most patient woman in the world, if you ask Paul. He cannot make it through a conversation without talking about Bonnie. Sadly, Bonnie passed away about three years ago, even though you would never know it by the way he talks about her.

Paul also loves the Raiders. I guess not anyone is perfect.

Paul just does things the right way, he doesn't know any better.

About eight months ago Paul took a job working at a church. He would be paid moderately, but he would be able to move out of his truck and into an apartment in the church. He took the job and did the right thing, and the right thing was to work hard. Despite his emphysema he got his jobs done, even if that meant working late into the night.

I don't know if Paul was working late last night when the shooter entered the church. He may have been working on one of his many projects. What I do know is where Paul was shot...in the church office. By the phone. Paul made a choice and it wasn't to hide in his well hidden apartment. Paul chose instead, to make for the office, for the phone. Paul never made the call he tried to make. He was shot too soon for that.

Paul did, however, die as he lived. He died doing things the right way.

My friend, enjoy your new life without emphysema. Enjoy your new life without loneliness. Keep living the right way.

I love you.