During a recent jog on the Silver Comet Trail I took a detour around the cemetery in Rockmart. As I approached the highway I noticed an unusually decorative gravesite and decided to get a closer look at it.

It was a beautiful black marble slab with a young girl's picture with a Bible verse proclaiming the promise of a home in Heaven.

I was devasted to notice that this girl was just 16 years old. I don't know what brought her to such an abrubt end in this world but for some reason (maybe because I have six children of my own)I was overwhelmed with grief...for her parents.

Since I lost my wife in 2001 I understand what grief is, so I felt compelled to give recognition to this beautiful girl and to let her parents know that there is someone besides them that thought about her today.

Christmas time is the hardest time for me and I'm sure it is for you as well. But I hope this small tribute for your daughter will bring light to an otherwise sad remembrance.

I, too, am looking forward to the day when I am reunited with those I love, made possible by the shed blood of our Savior. B. Banker