I've had a few close friends of mine die over the years and go to live with Jesus in Heaven. It's not easy to lose good friends, but I know they're in a much better place. *S* Here are a few such "Heavenly" friends of mine who've meant a lot to me and who I miss very much. CHRIS BINDER Chris, my high school personal finance teacher (and one of my closest friends/encouragers at that time--and the person responsible forgetting me to the church I still attend today), died of skin cancer December 22, 1985. (He was only around 30 yrs. old when he died & he struggled with cancer for a few years before that). Aside from the death of my father (March 19, 1994), losing Chris was the hardest loss I've ever had to face in my life. He was a close friend, support, tough but great teacher, and most of all, believed in me and what I could do with my life. He was one of the best examples of Jesus I've had in my life. He stressed the importance of working hard, doing your best, having good moral character, loving Jesus and putting Him first--things I'll never forget him for. (Thank you, Chris!)Just thinking of him brings tears to my eyes cuz I still miss his input in my life so much. Chris was not only a good influence in my life, but in many lives of students, teachers, and others around him. At school, he often asked us "How's your PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)?" He was my high school advisor, our Varsity Boys Basketball Coach (yes, he got me involved with doing basketball stats at games, too.*S*). Chris was such a positive influence to those at our school that, after his death, they dedicated our high school gymnasium to him and named it after him as a memorial at that time. (Jesus, tell Chris how thankful I am for all he taught me and all he did for me at such a desperate, lonely & crucial time in my life. Please give him a big hug, tell him how much I miss him and I wish he didn't have to leave so soon.) I'll NEVER forget you, Chris. You meant a LOT to me! Pic of Chris will be here when I find one to get scanned. *S* CLARENCE BIENZA good friend who I look forward to seeing again in Heaven someday. He died of heart problems last year (2000). I knew Clarence ever since I was halfway through high school. We went to the same church at the time (where I still go today) and he was much like a big brother to me. We both enjoyed talking, listening to music, and especially laughing to jokes/stories on Mike Warnke tapes together. Clarence & I went through a lot together & it was really hard losing him last year. (Please hug him for me, Jesus.) "RETURN HOME"
I've had a few close friends of mine die over the years and go to live with Jesus in Heaven. It's not easy to lose good friends, but I know they're in a much better place. *S* Here are a few such "Heavenly" friends of mine who've meant a lot to me and who I miss very much.
Chris was not only a good influence in my life, but in many lives of students, teachers, and others around him. At school, he often asked us "How's your PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)?" He was my high school advisor, our Varsity Boys Basketball Coach (yes, he got me involved with doing basketball stats at games, too.*S*). Chris was such a positive influence to those at our school that, after his death, they dedicated our high school gymnasium to him and named it after him as a memorial at that time. (Jesus, tell Chris how thankful I am for all he taught me and all he did for me at such a desperate, lonely & crucial time in my life. Please give him a big hug, tell him how much I miss him and I wish he didn't have to leave so soon.) I'll NEVER forget you, Chris. You meant a LOT to me!
Pic of Chris will be here when I find one to get scanned. *S*
I knew Clarence ever since I was halfway through high school. We went to the same church at the time (where I still go today) and he was much like a big brother to me. We both enjoyed talking, listening to music, and especially laughing to jokes/stories on Mike Warnke tapes together. Clarence & I went through a lot together & it was really hard losing him last year. (Please hug him for me, Jesus.)
