Stories to remember Alex by.

Alex lived with my wife and I for a couple years.  Alex was always cheerful and even when things were down with him, he worked on being happy.  He came to us with pretty much just his clothes and a few items.  While he was with us, he taught me how to cast resin, and spent hours working on resin with me.  He was a master at his craft.  He knew more about resin that just about anyone I knew.  During the time he lived with us, he would spend quite a few hours a week reading the Bible.  He would also discuss things with me that he was dealing with.  I saw Alex change from a broken man to a man who would stand on his own.  He was so happy when he quit smoking.  His whole body showed that he was finally getting ahold of the problems he had gone through and that he was becoming strong enough to do what he wanted.  He started working at Wal-Mart, was promoted quickly.  Alex decided that he could do it on his own and found a place to live.  He would come by and help with the resin, and we would talk.  I would go by Wal-Mart to show him what I was doing.  These are the times I want to remember about Alex.  The good things.  I miss him.  Even though we had some difference of opinions, I still considered him a friend.  I hurt because he is not there to talk to or see anymore.  I am sad that he and I did not get together more.  I am sad that I did not make the time to see him.

Mark Holland