A year ago, my best friend, Billy Atkins was called home. Rarely does a day go by without thinking of him and it’s still hard to believe he’s gone from our world. I loved him like a brother and I miss him deeply. I know he rests in a better place and one day; we will meet again.
Billy was a husband, father, businessman and musician. He was well liked and would give the shirt off his back to help a friend. In our younger days, he would chauffeur me around the countryside until I was sober enough to drive. We would listen to music and talk. I miss those talks.
Both our
hearts were in the same place talking about right verses wrong, honesty and our
beliefs. We had a lot in common.
I learned at his funeral service that Billy and
his wife, Michelle, donated the funding needed to excavate a well for
his cousin’s wonderful orphanage program overseas- Sending Hope International. The
program rescues children from the sex slave trade and provides hope. The water
used to quench those thirsty children will always be a gift from Billy and Michelle
Atkins.Their generosity touches lives daily and is truly something meaningful!
When Billy and I were single, I recall him always being the last to be ready. Whenever a group of us were going somewhere, we always waited for him. We did so because, we knew it wouldn’t be the same without him.
But the day Billy was called home, I believe he
was ready.
About a week before his passing he sent me a
message and told me how proud he was of me. In 40 years of friendship, he never
uttered those words. It was almost like a parting message; as if he knew his
time was short.
Billy’s life was a song of epic and majestic
proportions. The melody was his good cheer and the chorus was his big heart. The progression of his life was a gift and his chords to us. His finale brought us to tears.
Now- he is waiting on us.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle Atkins, Dawn Kamen and their families, relatives and friends!
Until
We Meet Again,
Jim Carver
Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School
“Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
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work. Thank you.
Thanks Jim!
ReplyDelete~Rob
My honor and pleasure Rob. Thank you, Jim
DeleteVery nice post, Jim! Thanks so much! --Dave Atkins
ReplyDeleteDave, My pleasure and responsibilty to be able to write my thoughts and feelings! Thank you for all you do! Jim
DeleteBeautiful tribute to a wonderful friend, husband & my love. I miss him so much & I know all of his friends do too. Thanks to all who remembered yesterday-- I love you all.
DeleteMic
Thank you Michelle. We love you and we will manage to get together soon. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim Carver
DeleteVery Nice Jim, Miss you!!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea who you are, but if you know me- then I am I miss you also. Thank you, Jim
Deleteso true Jim we all loved Billy I also think of him every day and I miss him dearly Trent Edgerton
ReplyDeleteTrent, I know you do and I am glad to call you my friend! Thanks for stopping by and we will get together sometime here. Thanks, Jim
DeleteIt is never easy to lose someone close to you, but I think it's particularly difficult to lose a close and trusted friend as you did. But what a wonderful life and legacy he left behind and what a loyal and loving tribute.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kindness and warm wishes. Jim
DeleteJim,
DeleteThat was so heartfelt and shows what wondeful friends you were to each other. Everyone should be that blessed.
Kim O'Brien
Milford, CT
Kim, Thank you so much for your kind and warm thoughts. I wish we could have spent more time together with you and John last year. You are one classy lady and John is blessed to have you for his wife. Best Always, Jim Carver
Delete