Once upon a time my name was Crystal Canterberry, and my heart never forgot him. I had just a couple memories of him from childhood and didn't think I'd ever see him or talk to him again, but 6 years ago we reconnected through Facebook. We met again in person once shortly after, and we've stayed in touch off and and on since.
He had a very rough start in life, but God really got ahold of him when he met his strong, steady Janice. At first he changed for her, but the Lord changed his heart completely. I believe he became the good, tenderhearted man he was created to be. Although I was hesitant to have a relationship when Jan first contacted me at the end of 2010, I changed my mind in early 2013 when she started a Facebook account for him and I saw photographs of him again. My husband and I thought we could see our middle son's smile in this gentle face, and I tentatively sent the first message that would reconnect us.
I soon learned I had no reason to fear. My simple message opened the door to much joy and peace for this man who had been tormented by regret for not being the man he should have been when I was little. His sweet wife told me that my simple willingness to have a relationship helped him shake a dark cloud that hand been hanging over him and become happier than she'd ever seen him. I was humbled. All I did was let him peak inside my life a little and reassure him that I had a wonderful childhood and had grown into a wife to a great husband and mom to three awesome boys. He was over the moon for me and my family.
I hadn't been in touch the past few months, not for any particular reason other than being wrapped up in my own life. I won't hear his voice again or get another text from him to his "Baby Girl" or have another chance to call or send a card on Father's Day just because I know it will mean the world to him.
I don't need condolences; this is just a small remembrance tribute to the man whose genes I carry and whose messages touched my heart over the past 6 years. My heart is breaking for Jan, though, because I know they loved each other fiercely and expected many more years together. He had many friends and family members and loved ones who knew him much better than I did and will miss him every day. I know they would appreciate your prayers for comfort even as they rejoice that his physical pain is past and he is reunited with the Lord and Savior he came to love and know so well in his later years.
Goodbye for now, David Canterberry. We'll meet again. 💕