Listen, I will tell you a mystery, we will not sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality.
When the perishable has been clothed with the perishable, and the mortal with the immortality, the saying that is written will come true:
"Death has been swallowed up in victory."
"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"
Father, as a foolish child I spurned your rebuke, though my ignorance superseded me, you never gave up in believing in my strength. You told me I could be and do anything I desired if I could just believe in myself.
You taught me to run, to play, to take my time in enjoying the simpler pleasures in life . . . such as the fellowship of close friends and the love of family.
You believed in family more than anything else and it showed by your love.
You were by far the greatest man I ever knew.
You protected me when I could not defend myself, you were strong for me when I was weak. You loved me when I could not love myself. You had little tolerance for me when I began to fall into the trap of pitting myself.
You forced me to focus on my strengths instead of my weaknesses.
When I had little to no self esteem you made me believe I was awesome, brilliant, a shining star, your Girl and that I deserved better than what I was allowing myself to receive.
I love you for your strength and for your gentleness and for your wisdom you bestowed upon me. You never dictated fatherly advice but as a close friend and confidant you waited patiently until I came to you.
R.I.P.
Ronald Arthur Lavallee
1/26/40 ~ 1/1/98
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