Making Her Mark

Bruce,

I've read your book & I've read your blogs and it never ceases to amaze me at some of the things you come up with, the way you convey them to your readers and the memories you always seem to bring to my mind with your stories. You have such a gift. I know you've been told this many, many times, but I KNOW you do.

I remember going into the grocery store as I was growing up & seeing your dad there. Aunt Ruth would always give me a nickel to get a candy bar or pack of gum or something & tell me how she sure wished my mama & daddy could get my teeth fixed (I know she meant no harm but I was already self-conscious enough about my teeth). I don't know if your daddy heard her or not but he would always say something to make me smile and then tell me I was just about the prettiest thing he'd ever seen. He made me forget about my crooked teeth. Moreover, he made me feel special; like I was somebody, just for him speaking to me.

I can't recall a time ever seeing you out somewhere that you didn't know who I was & speak to me in the same way your daddy did; just as you did Saturday night. It was good to see you at the reunion. Everyone had a wonderful time. I know I did.

I read your blogs about your granddaughter & I have to tell you I have 2 now; one is 4, the other was just born Jan 14 of this year. The first one took me in tailspin. My family all used to talk about the fact that my children were always my world, my whole life. I didn't think I could love a grandchild any more, and I don't guess I do really but it's different. Sally Kate wrapped me around her little finger from the very first moment after I saw her come into this world. She loves her "gamma" & she knows her gamma loves her. My daughter allowed me the privilege of witnessing the miracle of birth once again when Leah graced our lives in Jan. I have to say it was the most awesome thing I've ever had the privilege to be a part of. There's nothing like grandchildren! God has blessed us with two of the most beautiful little girls He possibly could. I understand perfectly the message you were trying to convey in your blog about your Taylor. I know I don't have to tell you this, but spend every moment you can with her. Love her. Know her, and let her know you. Let her learn what an awesome grandpa she has in that he has served God, his family and his friends all his life.

I have pancreatic cancer, diagnosed about a year and a half ago. Although I have already lived much, much longer than any of the doctors in Macon, Emory & Texas said I would, I know my days are numbered. I keep fighting and I keep telling myself I'm going to beat it. Everyday when I wake up I thank God for letting me have another day with my family, especially my granddaughters. You have an incredible chance for your granddaughter to know you. Don't waste it.

You have done so well with your life. I know your mama and daddy are so proud of you. You are leaving your mark on the world with your stories. You're touching so many lives. I have not left a mark and now it's too late. Unfortunately, my granddaughters are so young that they will only know me through pictures in the family album and what their mama tells them about me.

Keep up your good work and take care. May God continue to bathe you in His love and care.

Lisa Nelson Windham


Note: The letter above written to me was posted on this blog in May 2007 with permission from Lisa Windham. Lisa passed away this week (Sunday March 30,2008) after a gallant fight with pancreatic cancer. Regretfully I learned of her death after her funeral service. As a memorial to Lisa who thought she had not left her mark on the world I thought it important to let her elegant words and wisdom flow from this page once again. May neither the words nor the memory of my friend Lisa never die. BG