Posted January 3, 2025 – You know, sometimes the Good Lord has a way of sending folks into your life that just fit like an old comfortable chair on a Sunday afternoon. That’s exactly what Gary and Shelly Morin were to our little Tuesday night small group. When they first walked through our door, it was like the Lord himself had hand-picked them for our spiritual family.
Gary, bless his heart, was this big ol’ teddy bear of a man from Maine who carried himself with the gentleness of a summer breeze off the Savannah River. Here he was, this Northern-born schoolteacher, fitting right into our Southern ways like butter on a hot biscuit. Every Tuesday night, he’d settle into his spot on our couch, and Lord, how he loved discussing Preacher Bill’s latest sermon adventures.
I reckon what made Gary and Shelly so special was how they just radiated genuine Christian love. They weren’t putting on airs or trying to be something they weren’t. They were just good folks who loved the Lord, loved each other, and loved being part of our church family. Shelly, sweet soul that she is, always brought that warmth of fellowship that made our gathering feel like home.
You see, in these troubled times we’re living in, having friends like Gary and Shelly reminds us that God’s grace shows up in the most wonderful ways. They weren’t just small group members; they were family. And while Gary’s gone home to glory now, the blessing he brought to our lives will keep on giving, just like those stories Preacher Bill tells that stick with you long after Sunday service.
As I sit here thinking about Gary’s last days, looking forward to his new hip and more walks through our beautiful Savannah, I can’t help but thank the Lord for lending us such a fine friend, even if it wasn’t for as long as we’d have liked.
Tonight, as I sit here, trying to process the unexpected loss of my dear friend, I’m reminded of a song by Al Holley, a singer-songwriter from Cartersville, Georgia. The song’s called “So It Goes,” and it’s about the fragility of life and the importance of not taking it for granted. The lyrics go like this:
“Life is a fragile uncertainty, something that no man can borrow
One pulse away from eternity, here today gone tomorrow
Chorus
Like a shooting star, soaring through the sky
Like the closing rays from the sun’s evening light
So it goes, so life goes, so it goes
Verse
Faster and faster flow the sands of time,
Nothing can slow them as they rush by.
Only a foolish man throws away his time,
At times what a foolish man was I”.
Like that song says, life sure is “a fragile uncertainty,” but glory be to God for giving us these precious moments to share with such precious people. As I sat in that hospital room with Debbie, Shelly, and the ER doc, I remembered somethin’ that preacher Bill always said: “God is great, even in the midst of chaos.”
Shelly, if you’re reading this, know that you’ve got family right here. We may not be kin by blood, but we’re bound by something stronger – the love of Christ that Gary so beautifully demonstrated in his life.
Gary, my friend, you may be soaring through the sky, but your presence will be felt here on earth for a long, long time. We’ll miss you, but we’ll keep your memory alive, and we’ll strive to live life as you did – with kindness, compassion, and a heart full of love. Al Holley sings, “Only a foolish man throws away his time.” And Gary, he was no fool. He lived each day to its fullest, loving and laughing, and for that, we are truly grateful.
And to Shelly, our prayers are with you, dear sister. May God comfort you, fill you with joy and thanksgiving, and give you strength in the days ahead. We’re here for you, and we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way.
In closing, I’ll say what Gary would often say: “God is great, and God is good.” Yes, friend, He is. And in His goodness, He gave us Gary and Shelly Morin, two shining examples of what it means to live a life of love, faith, and service to others.
We’ll miss you, friend. Rest easy, now.
And that’s the gospel truth, y’all.
You can listen to Al sing his song here https://youtu.be/bAzySWIn4uE?si=dUllBhBYByirIqWF .
