Photos of my Daraja Choir family hang on my refrigerator. I see them every day! I pray that my Daraja boys are growing stronger physically and spiritually. There are times that I get sad thinking that our paths may never cross again on this earth. But my spirits are lifted when I think of heaven because I’m certain we will get to catch up there, if not before. It has always been difficult to tell them “goodbye” after only a short time- they are such precious souls. They always leave a lasting impression on your heart. When it is time for them to leave, we don't say "Goodbye", we say, "See-Ya- Later" because we KNOW that we will be together again. Much like the Daraja Choir, I prefer a “See-Ya-Later” to a “Goodbye” any day! And this has been a week chopped full of "See-Ya-Laters".
Last week in Nashville, I hugged my friend Betsy and said, "See-Ya-Later” as she and one of my students, Evan, relocated to North Dakota. Military families are a special breed! Their sacrifices cannot be adequately measured or repaid. This family made a lasting impression on my heart in the short time that they lived in Bossier City. I already miss them!
Then there’s my Kasey. She’s a one-of-kind! How fun it was to share dinner and laughs with this special girl! But the clock doesn’t stop. We exchanged hugs and "See-Ya-Laters" on Friday night. By Saturday night, I was back home in Bossier.
And then this morning.... waking up to one of the toughest kind of “See-Ya-Laters”- the kind where you will only meet again in heaven.
I believe Mr. Billy Don Maples is best described as a "character"! I even can’t say his name without laughing. Some may believe that Mrs. Sharon is the funny one, but I think she just followed his cues. They were a comedy act individually and as a couple. And I’m not sure who tells the biggest or the most hilarious stories.... it’s got to be a toss-up. But there’s no doubt that they were made for one another!
One of my favorite stories is from Mr. BD’s and Dad’s running days. I can’t recall exactly which race this incident occurred, but it was probably the Red River Revel Run or Firecracker Race. They were “regulars” on the circuit back in the day. So the start gun fires and the crowded race begins. It was a warm day in the South- it usually is. At some point during the race, Mr. Billy Don sees someone wearing running shorts identical to the shorts that my dad had worn. This person was being attended to by several paramedics. Mr. BD realizes it’s his buddy (my dad) so he selflessly hurries across the finish line! After carefully documenting his race time, he sprints back to the ambulance and climbs in for a ride with his buddy to the hospital. He begins filling in the paramedics on my dad’s overall health, medical history, etc. Eventually, he looks down at the patient and realizes that it’s NOT my dad! It’s a WOMAN! Mr. BD escapes out of the back door of the ambulance for a quick getaway!!! He appears back at the finish line, finds my dad, and has to confess his hilarious predicament! I don’t think dad ever let him live down the fact that he completed the race BEFORE checking on his injured buddy!
There’s no doubt that Mr. Billy is "entertaining" heaven at this very moment. Whether he’s telling stories about Charlie Greer during his baseball days at Airline or catching up with Mr. Max Rudd, Mr. Tom Ray, and Mr. Jerry McCarty about grandkids, he’s having the time of his life!! And Mr. Billy is carefully calculating a sarcastic question to ask King Solomon, just so he can enjoy the look on his face as he (King Solomon) anticipates how to answer.
When I was in eighth-grade, the Greenacres Junior High FCA took a trip to Baton Rouge. Mrs. Sharon was the FCA sponsor, and Mr. Billy went for moral support - I assume. (Who in their right minds would take a group of eighth-graders anywhere?) On our trip, we visited the Louisiana Capitol Building so it was somewhat educational. While in the Louisiana Capitol Building, Mr. Billy nonchalantly walked up to the hostess and asked, "Is Mr. Treen in?" Without a snicker, he patiently waited as the poor hostess stumbled around trying to explain that Mr. Treen was no longer the governor and that he had been defeated by Governor Edwin Edwards the previous year. I believe Mr. Billy responded by saying that he did not realize Governor Treen was no longer in office and walked away with a smirk and a wink.
More than a comedian, Mr. Billy was a man of God. He was committed to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He had personally witnessed the difference that Jesus had made in the lives of so many young athletes. Also, Mr. Billy taught Sunday School to 5th-grade boys for years. Of course, the boys loved him because he was a one-of-a-kind! Both of my boys were blessed to have him as their 5th-grade SS teacher. His godly influence will continue to impact their lives even as he is now in heaven. And this momma is very grateful that my boys had the opportunity to know him.
Mr. Billy Don is healed. He is well. He may possibly be running on the beaches to the theme song from "Chariots of Fire". (Yes, he and my dad took the families to see this classic flick. I must say it was a big yawn for us, meaning the kiddos, although as an adult- I heard it was really a good movie.)
So for now, it is "See-Ya-Later" Mr. Billy Don. Thank you for influencing my life and the lives of my boys for Jesus! Thank you for being such a sweet friend to my mom and dad. We love you and we know that we will "See-Ya-Later" because we have the hope of heaven.
"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" Psalm 30:5b
Disclaimer:
Mrs. Sharon,
Feel free to revise and edit as my proofreaders may have missed a few things. It is quite unnerving to write knowing that your seventh grade English teacher will be reading it. LOL! Love you!
