Eldred Went Home For the Holidays.

My dear Dibbuns (readers),

As you know as part of my list of tasks to do, I met and fell in love with a man named Eldred Vaughn. When I went to visit him, he always greeted me with a “Hi honey, I’m 95, and still alive!” I had joked with him that since his 96th bday was coming up on December 19th he was going to be needing a new catchphrase. I suggested, “Ninety-six and still up to tricks.”

It turns out Eldred won’t be needing a new saying; on December 6th Eldred passed away peacefully in his sleep. When I used to leave him after a visit, I would ask if there was anything I could do for him, and he would always say, “Just pray that the Lord takes me in my sleep soon, I’m ready to go see Jeannie.”

I’m not sure how many men like Eldred still exist. His humility, kindness, gentleness, and sense of humor sometimes, seem to be a thing of the past.

Recently I did a short article on him for the magazine I write for Enjoy Cherokee. It was about people’s Christmas memories in Cherokee County, Georgia.

I believe in heaven. I believe Eldred is now there with his beloved wife, Jeannie. I’m not sure if there is Christmas in heaven, but it is making my Christmas here on earth to imagine Eldred is eating jam cake with his Mama, Daddy, siblings, and his precious wife Jeannie. I like to think they are gathered around a cozy fire basking in the glory of the presence of the person we are celebrating down here on earth.

Goodbye, Eldred Vaughn. We only had a year together, but you changed my heart. You put life in perspective for me. You made me laugh, like pee your pants laugh. I loved you and couldn’t be happier you got the one thing you wanted for Christmas, to be home.

Here is the original post.

https://wordpress.com/block-editor/post/leanaconway.blog/3083