Joy

Sometimes there are just no words to describe the depths of your soul. Somethings in life hit you so hard there just isn't anything to say.

My two favorite places are both in Florida: Disney World and the Walker's home. While I was attending Florida College I worshipped with Ralph Sr. and Shirley Walker. From the first time I met them I knew they were special. They both genuinely care for each and every person they meet. Shirley is an amazing cook and Ralph was an amazing hugger. He hugged you like you were his pride and joy. He made you feel warm, welcome, comforted, strengthened, cared for, and loved all in just one hug. He gripped you so tightly so that you would know you were loved.

I've taken for granted these two places of unending joy. I've just assumed they would always be there for me to come back to and enjoy. Well, Thursday part of my happiest place on Earth was taken to his happiest place imaginable. When I heard the news I felt a void. I can still feel my hug from last July, but can it last me the rest of my life? I wasn't ready for that to be my last one.

Joy comes in many different forms and I was blessed enough to have known a real life walking, talking, and hugging chunk of joy. There isn't any other way to express what Mr. Ralph Walker Sr. was. He was joy. I only hope that a tiny bit of that joy was passed on to me so I can share it with someone else who never got to meet joy face to face.

Can't wait to get to see him again one day. Thank you, God, for the blessing of see you laters instead of goodbyes.

♥ Ashley