A Hero Passes

A Hero Passes: Sidney Howard Vernon (1917-2009)

Those who read my Twitter tweets, my Facebook updates, and my blog posts have surely noted my unusual silence over the past 48 hours.

Thursday, August 13, 2009, my Father-in-law, Sidney Howard Vernon, went home to be with his Lord at age 92. My wife (Shirley), daughter (Marie), and I are in Richmond, VA with Shirley's Mom (Hilda), brother (Charles), and extended family.

You never heard of Sidney Vernon. But he was a hero. He is now in God's hall of faith. He is part of that great cloud of witnesses.

Married to the same woman for 60 years. Yes, 60 years! He loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and even his son-in-law. He never met a stranger. He provided for his family physically and spiritually. He worked hard. He laughed often and deeply. He told life stories that made you realize how desperately we all need God. A committed Christian, he is at peace with God. And though we grieve and miss him, we are at peace with God also.

I'll pretty much be away from "technology" the next few days. But I had to stop by to explain why. And more importantly, to encourage us all to remember that being a hero is NOT about being well-known. Being a hero is about knowing and loving God and knowing and loving one another.

Please pray for Hilda, Shirley, and Charles as they and we grieve as those who have sure hope.

And hug and love your family just a little bit more this weekend.

In Christ's Grace,

Bob (The son-in-law of a hero)