I am so proud of Chuck...for so many reasons. Last night I was reminded of a precious gift that he gave to some very dear boys. Chuck and I belonged to the same small group for 7 years. It just happened to be filled with boys. We have watched in awe as Jacob, Marcus, Hunter, Grant, Paul J, David, Travis, Josh and Luke have grown into some of the best Texas Hold Em players in the state (thank you very much Chuck).

Four of "our boys" are well on their way to becoming men, so they came to see Chuck the night he died. Initially I agonized over the decision, but God assured me, "Chuck has one more lesson to share." It was beautiful to watch.

Just last night Lois (mom of H and G) told me that Chuck was the boys' first encounter with death...and it was a good one. What an honor! They saw that death is not scary. They saw and joined in the celebration at the memorial service and commented on how fun it was...how happy. How cool is that? The rest of their lives will be shaped by this encounter with death.

Jacob humbled us all with his words. Aparently Chuck taught him more than poker. One evening the Zapatas were at our home. Chuck and Jacob were alone...and Chuck mentioned to him, "Everyone dies, Jacob. But not everyone lives." Jacob, too, will hold onto that for the rest of his life.

Is there any greater lesson on life? How to live so that when death comes, celebration is in order.