Friday, August 30th, would be Randy's 62nd birthday. As the day is drawing near, sadness is creeping into my heart with thoughts of all the things that we will never get to do together. When these thoughts begin to swirl in my head, I feel dizzy and lightheaded. Then I realize I am doing it again… I am holding my breath.
It isn't something I do consciously. It just happens. I don't know if it is a common symptom of grief or anxiety, or maybe both, but I have found myself doing it many times a day, every day, for the last nineteen months. I realize I am doing it again when a tight feeling grips my throat, almost like I am being strangled by an invisible intruder. That feeling is uncomfortable and irritating, but it is a signal to me that I need to breathe and refocus my mind on good things. Instead of dwelling on the things I won't get to experience with Randy by my side, I am reminding myself of the things I do have because of knowing him.
I learned so many things from him and I would not be the person I am today if I never knew him. So, as his birthday approaches, I am continually shifting my thoughts to all of the amazingness he brought to my life.
I don’t know if he ever entered a room quietly. He was loud, boisterous, and didn't know how to whisper. He told the corniest jokes, he was the most stubborn person I have ever known, and he never hesitated to tell you how he felt about things. He could ruffle your feathers with his gruff tone, but he was a teddy bear at heart. He touched many lives in positive ways.
I want to celebrate his life on his birthday. So, for those of you who knew him, if you have a memory to share, please do! #RandyNeffStories
Blessings to you all!
Happy Birthday Randy💗
Thank you for sharing this with me! It means a lot!💗
My son Collin class of 2015 had him for a math teacher his senior year. Collin struggles in school and Randy told him how smart he was something he rarely heard. He gave Collin confidence to believe in himself, something he wasn’t even sure about. 5 long years later Collin Will graduate from UC this coming spring. It hasn’t been an easy road but I remind him of that OHS math teacher who told him he was smart. A teacher touches a life forever and I am so grateful for that. We will think of your husband in the spring and forever thank him for believing in my son.
Oh Kelly, hugs to you! As I read your blog I imagined your pain and felt myself taking deeper breaths. I so do wish I had “Randy stories” but I didn’t have the pleasure of spending much time with him. However, because of the beautiful friendship our girls have developed, I get glimpses of him through Anna’s eyes. ❤️ I’m always amazed when she tells a story or shares something about him, she is not sad. Such a strong young woman, just like you! Wishing Randy a happy heavenly birthday this week.
Thanks for Sharing! Love you Shari!💗
We will be out of town on Randy's Birthday but will be thinking of you that day. You are so right...Randy's presence was BIG in every way, and he entered a room as such. What a gentle, kind, encouraging man, and whose smile was as big as everything else. Seldom did he enter a room without that gigantic smile! So many many memories. (NO EGG in that BD cake.). But the Love of God that effervesced from this man was the Biggest. He truly did shine for Christ. Special memories of how he cared for Abby and gave his all to teach and encourage her. She truly felt special. My brother always asked about his "Buddy"...and admired Randy's sli…