Our "Brother Earl"

We have a very dear friend named Earl "the Pearl" Jensen. He turned 90 years old this past July 4th. He passed away this last Wednesday. We all went to his funeral yesterday morning to say goodbye to this wonderful man. We love Brother Earl. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He always wore a "gentleman's hat" to church or anytime he went out. He always had a smile on. Never let you leave his side without giving you some wise advice, telling you a story or singing you a song. He loved to sing. He loved to talk about his wife, Daisy, who had passed away years ago. He loved talking about his son, Chris, who he was so very proud of. Chris was his last living child, besides a step son. He loved our kids and gave them gifts and they would draw him pictures. He loved our visits and we always felt like honored guests in his home. He had a dog named Sammy who would sit and let Ben pet him. The kids liked giving Sammy treats as Brother Earl would give him trick commands. We know Brother Earl is in a good place and we know he is happily in the arms of his Daisy, but we are sad. We wanted to hear more stories, hear more songs. We just thought Earl would live forever!

I had organized our Brownie Girls Scout troop to go caroling at the home where Earl was staying the last few months. I was excited to surprise Earl. We don't go until the 20th. Now I will be sad. I should have told him we were coming. He probably would have held on until after the 20th, knowing Brother Earl. He would have done anything for anybody, including that.

We love you Brother Earl, you were a Pearl of a man and we will miss you! Keep smiling!