Tuesday, July 24, 2007
One of the greatest tasks of my life was being Don Austin's secretary at FUMC, Tullahoma. But when I would type his Family Life or Adult Council activities, I realized how much he loved the Lord and wanted people to embrace that joy. Don and some of the staff took a trip to Cindy Day's house on the mountain one Christmas. For secretaries day one year, we went to Olive Garden. I always received a Christmas card from Don.I cherish those memories. I have shed tears this week. But I know that his work was fulfilling God's plan. Oh, how he must be feeling today as he looks up in reverence to the Lord. He's still learning, seeking abiding guidance from our Savior. I can easily say that Don Austin was one of my best friends on staff. I might not always wanted to hear what he had to say, like, "where you get those pajamas." But, in hindsight,he really become my mentor.No matter how tough life became for Don, he always pulled himself out of the fire. And boy, was there fire sometimes. Thanks for putting the picture of him online. When we pulled it up at the office, everyone was quiet and said, "yes" that's the way he would have wanted it to be. Thanks for sharing your Dad with us in Tullahoma. Please know that I truly loved Don Austin as a brother in Christ. He and my husband and Mark Beecham all had the same birthday. I will remember him always.
