Gone, but Never Forgotten.

Last Sunday, our community lost a great man. David Davenport was an extremely wealthy man.

Over his seventy years on this earth, he had been able to accumulate the greatest wealth of all, friends.

Just how many, it's impossible to say, but I had the privilege of having been one of them for over ten years. I truly envy the ones that had known him longer, because they have so much more to remember him by. David Davenport did so much for this community and we all begin seeing the great void that has been created by his passing. I will never be able to thank him enough for the joy that he brought into my life. I loved him like a father and though I will never get over him leaving, I must learn to accept it.

I was given this story by an unknown author several years ago. I would like to share it with you in memory of David Davenport. It's called A Reason, A Season, or A Lifetime…

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person. When someone is in your life for a REASON,

it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support; to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it. It is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

David Davenport came into my life for a REASON. He sold me some land where I built a new lake home. Our relationship grew and the reason became a SEASON.

He taught me about real estate, helped me get my license, but most importantly he taught me about life. Ten years have passed and now I realize that I will be able to take the knowledge, love and laughter with me through the remainder of my LIFETIME.

David gave me the greatest gift that anyone could have possibly given me, unconditional friendship! My prayers go out to his family. He is gone, but never forgotten.

May God Bless…

Ron Phillips