Some thoughts of you during Christmas 2013 There are things people say to you when they feel that something should be said. But how much I miss you... there are no words. I miss the gentle hugs, I miss the sweet little kisses on my cheek, I miss your soft hands that held me tight, I miss those sweet words of our good nights. These are a few of the things that can't be felt by others. But I love all of iyou for trying and being there for me.

Jack worked for Continetial Airlines for 17 years. He started at the airport, building the runways. Then he got hired on loading and unloading airplanes. They called them "Ramp Rats". He liked it because he liked the guys who worked there. So when they cut back, he was transfered to Houston. And we stayed behind to finish school year. Besides, we had a home in Roanoke to sell. Jack was commuting on his days off. On Feb. 3rd. 1983, he was at home and decided not to go that night, but wait till the next morning. All I can still say to this day is, Thank you,God! So we went to bed, but Jack could not sleep. He got up and went to sleep on the couch. Sometime in the night, I am frightened awake by Jack, hollering that the house is on fire! First thought is to get kids out safely. I got Eddie and Curtis and Jack was gonna get Sunshine. She is 18 months and in her baby bed. Stupid me, I changed the furniture around that day, and he couldn't find her bed. The doors were blocked and it was pitch black because of the smoke. He finally yelled he found her and by the time he got to the window, black smoke blew out of his lungs. We all fell out of the window with the fire at our butts. It was freezing outside and we ran across the road to our neighbors. Our house burned to the ground. But I did not care. My family was safe. We found out later that the wiring in the addition of the den,(existing) had wrong kind of wiring for the dryer. I had left a load of cloths drying when I went to bed and the breaker did not trip. The insurance paid off and we all moved to Houston. Together again! Thank you Jack! My Hero!

I knew Jack was a very talented guy when I met him. I soon learned he was very artistic. But I also discoverd he loved photography. So very early into our journey in life together, he started taking photos of everyone and everything. I would always shy away from the camera, but not him. So as our family grew, we had the memories in our minds and in pictures. But in Feb. 1983, we lost everything we owned in a house fire(and that's another story). He still loved to take pictures, but all the cameras and all the picture albums were gone! As the years passed and digital cameras and video got really advanced, Jack really got into recording himself with the family and friends. I just didn't know how much there really was until his passing. So the whole time he was sick, 8 years, while I was at work and he was home all alone, he was creating special gifts for us to share after his passing. Today is November 24th. 2013 and I am still discovering photos and videos. What a wonderful gift! Thank you Sweetheart!