There's nothing like going back to the place where the world was so big and full of wonder. Although I went back for the most sad reason possible, I'm so glad I was able to go home. My dear childhood friend Mark Harding passed away shortly after his 21st birthday. He went home to be with the Lord on May 28.
Mark, his sister Ashley, and I grew up together since we were little bitty. We were the three musketeers. When I found out he was in the hospital I prayed and prayed and prayed so hard. When Daddy Bill called and told me he didn't make it I was deeply saddened. I never would've thought something so quick and tragic would happen to someone I knew. But the good Lord giveth and the good Lord taketh away. Mark's in heaving dancing with Jesus now. Free from his struggles on earth and the stress he battled with. For being 21 He'd been through a lot, more than anyone should go through. His deployment to Iraq left him with many battle scars emotionally after watching his best friend die in his arms.
His funeral was held the weekend after memorial day. I picked up my mom in Tulsa and we drove to Grove together. Back to where everything started for us. It was our first hometown with the greatest most loving people you'll ever meet. I was there for 5 days and it was SO nice to go back. :) Here are some photos from around town and the Harding house I grew up in. More to follow once I get the pics my mom took with her camera.
The widest road in Grove
Mark, his sister Ashley, and I grew up together since we were little bitty. We were the three musketeers. When I found out he was in the hospital I prayed and prayed and prayed so hard. When Daddy Bill called and told me he didn't make it I was deeply saddened. I never would've thought something so quick and tragic would happen to someone I knew. But the good Lord giveth and the good Lord taketh away. Mark's in heaving dancing with Jesus now. Free from his struggles on earth and the stress he battled with. For being 21 He'd been through a lot, more than anyone should go through. His deployment to Iraq left him with many battle scars emotionally after watching his best friend die in his arms.
His funeral was held the weekend after memorial day. I picked up my mom in Tulsa and we drove to Grove together. Back to where everything started for us. It was our first hometown with the greatest most loving people you'll ever meet. I was there for 5 days and it was SO nice to go back. :) Here are some photos from around town and the Harding house I grew up in. More to follow once I get the pics my mom took with her camera.
The widest road in Grove
Flower field off the dirt road on the way to the Harding Homestead.
"Good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise" was a literal term growing up. The only way out of the house other than crossing the creek was through the woods in a 4x4. And let me tell you, it is a ROUGH ride!
This is at the top of the hill. I learned to ride my bike down this hill, talk about scary, especially when you're 5 and a 6 year old is teaching you how!
Shante's daughter, Mark's cousin. Sweet little thing. She weighed 20 lbs and her 5 month old brother weighed 22 lbs!! I didn't get a pic with him. :( His name was Judah and I called him "Buddah Judah"!!
Mom and Ashley
Just HAD to throw this in. :) ...That's Mark on the left.
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