Saturday, April 23, 2016
Fred & I grew up together; he was one of my favorite cousins!! He was 5 mos. older, but we were in the same grade and went through all the school years together. He lived two houses down & across the street from me, so we spent a lot of time together. Even as a child I remember him being a gentle person with a ready smile (sometimes a crazy grin)! One of our favorite games we played together was "Horsey" - usually in our back yard, and I was always the horse! I remember my mother looking out our kitchen window saying, "Here comes Fred, and he has his rope!" Not only was he gentle, he was caring and generous - almost to a fault. I was in college when my parents told me that he had accepted the Lord as his Savior. I was thrilled, as he was like my 4th brother! Fred would do anything in his power to help anyone in need. As adults, with busy children & grandchildren, we didn't spend a lot of time together, but I vividly remember these fine character traits of Fred as a child, were also present in him as an adult. Paul & I visited with Fred & Rosemary last summer. Fred & I spent some time reminiscing about our childhood; we often said, "Remember when..." I haven't "lost" a cousin; he's just gone to heaven ahead of me!! I'm so glad I'll see him again! Beverly Smith Yochim
