Sad News

This morning our phone rang at about 4:00 a.m. I assumed it was either the hospital or the nursing home as we have become accustomed to those middle of the night calls. I could tell, once David answered the call, that it was someone else. As I stirred into consciousness I recognized the sweet, little, shaking voice on the other end of the phone as Janell Satterfield. She was calling to tell us that our dear wonderful friend, and her father, Bobby Joe Norris, had died at about midnight. Bobby had been having some heart problems and Janell had called earlier in the week to tell us that he was having problems. Our hearts are heavy. Bobby and Charlene and their family have been dear friends of David and myself since before we married. Bobby preached at the Hatt Church of Christ, and he also worked for some years as the full-time caretaker/director at Indian Creek Youth Camp. During those years we developed a friendship that has withstood the test of time, distance, and being busy. Although we did not see one another often, we talked on occasion and for certain we knew we were there for one another. For the past years Bobby has preached for the Alder Springs Church of Christ near Albertville. Bobby, Charlene, Christine, Janell, Jeannette, and Rachel have all been part of our lives. We have shared laughter and tears and our times together were always special. Bobby and Charlene were a true couple, and their love for each other was so evident. They enjoyed their time together, and much as David and myself, if they had the opportunity to go and do something, they wanted to be with one another. Bobby was a great lover of the truth, and he had dedicated his life to preaching, often at little “country” congregations that barely paid enough for a family of six to survive. I guess when I think about Bobby, I can’t help but to think about his little “sayings”, such as “Ignorance gone to seed”. Our loss is Heaven’s gain, but right now our hearts are heavy. We have lost a dear friend. David will help conduct the funeral on Monday. Arrangements are being made today. Please remember the family, and us, in your prayers.