To Alice Howard

January 29, 2004

Dear Alice,

How sad I was when I received your card concerning Wally’s death. It really stopped me. Even though I haven’t seen you and Wally often through the years, you both have been such a foundational part of my life. The love you two gave to me and to others had such a profound effect upon us. I’m sure that you had no idea the extent of what you were giving to us.

I’m sending you a section of my journal which was written after I received your card. I also preached a sermon on January 25 entitled  “Thank You Wally Howard.” Basically I talked about how much Wally had meant to my young life and how he handed Christ to me. I have changed much in regard to my theology and my understanding of the scriptures but Christ is still the sun around which I revolve. To say that I am grateful to Wally for giving me that is a great understatement.

Jeri and I send you our love and our heartfelt sympathy. I’m sure that no words could express the loss that you must feel. Sometime if you want to get away for a while, come to New York and visit us. We have a nice guestroom and we live right in the heart of midtown. We would love to see you.

Peace…prayers…faith…hope…love.