Frank generously shared with me all of his letters that he received from his friends. I have to say that reading them was as much fun as reading my own. So with his permission, I'm posting three of his letters.
Letter No. 1
You know I love you, let me count the ways.• You are an easy guy to get to know, and you always know were you stand with you.
• You are giving of yourself, and truly interested in helping others.• You have a great sense of humor.
• You are not arrogant or rude, always giving others a chance to speak.
• You are fun to be around.
• You are God's child, and take that responsibility very seriously.• You like me and consider me a friend, and that is appreciated.
• You don’t let others push you around, you are confident in your beliefs.
• You would be a great friend to be around if the #%@& hit the fan, and a guy need some back up muscle.• You are interesting to talk to.
• Even though you write long emails you always have a great point or message in what you say.
• You love life and others, it is easy to see and it makes you easy to love.
• You are not afraid to tell a male friend you love them.
Letter No. 2
1) I see Jesus in you when you minister.2) You genuinely care for those you minister to, awesome trait!
3) You are a great example to me of a great man that follows his heart not always his mind.
4) Your smile is awesome and leads many to Christ.
5) Your intelligent and thoughtful responses in conversation are a great example to me of how to truly listen.6) You're a warm caring guy that is focused on sharing this great and awesome news of Jesus with everyone.
7) You are, of course, very witty.
8) You always have great sense of humor.
9) You know how to say the right thing in the right way.
10) You are my friend.
Letter No. 3
Teacher -- Yes, you are a teacher. Each day you write an e-mail to our group or individual you teach us something no matter how large or how small we learn something from you. The men in prison also learn from you each and every time you walk through those doors. Giver -- You give of yourself constantly whether it be something silly making us all laugh, something serious, giving your time, advice etc. You are constantly giving of yourself. Writer -- You have a wonderful way with words when you put them on paper. I envy your ability to write. A gift you have. Father/Husband -- Although I haven't been around you and your children it isn't hard to tell how much you love them by the way you speak of them in your e-mails. Your words tell us how much you love them, your step-children and all your grandchildren. You speak so lovingly about your bride, Nancy. Friend -- Thanks for being one of my e-mail friends, just being who you are and being there. Glad you are one of our group...! Christian -- You are a devout Christian man. Thoughtful -- Thinking of others. I imagine you often think of others before yourself. Funny -- Yep, this is a great quality in a person. Being able to make someone smile, giggle or a big hearty laugh. I've had a few of those just reading your emails. Thanks...
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Frank: Where have you been all my life? Oy seems to me like you are EXACTLY the kind of friend I try to be and calling you "friend" sounds like it would be a privilege! i always used to say I wish I could find a friend like me (How's THAT for egocentric? From these two testimonials therese shared with us, it apears to me that you are that kind of friend. Keep up the good work, you're clearly influencing many people for the good!
Well, I was selective in choosing from whom I would request the affirmations. I figured my parole officer wouldn't have much good to say - or my ex-wife. Hahaha! I'm kidding (No parole officer). My ex-wife is a decent and caring person. I might be surprised how generous she would be in her comments. But, I'm not going to test that theory.:)
I'm very glad I took a chance and asked my friends for this blessing. It surprises me a bit, but one of the benefits of doing this exercise was a sense of humility. Once I realized how my friends perceived me, it feels like a sacred trust. It's not a burden, but I want to live up to their estimation.
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