Paul did not leave us last week as I was originally informed; he left on February 25, 2015.

Never have I witnessed anyone that was so incredibly ill yet held on to the love life had offered him. His faith, laughter, determination and tenacity towards the unyielding, monstrous plague was beautifully, heartbreaking. The treatments and surgeries that brutally, tortured his body and soul he endured to “beat cancer” and lived a life that could only be described as a horrific nightmare; however, Paul explained that he knew it was part of God’s plan and everything would be wonderful in the end. His faith in the Holy Trinity and the Scriptures is a beautiful testimony and reminder of God’s love for us all.  Psalms 91:2 “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

Paul’s strength and determination can be directly attributed to the great love he had for God, his cherished Children and beloved Mother. They were paramount to his Soul and a driving force in his life that propelled him to defy the medical industry by surviving as long as possible

When the cancer was treatable, politics directly from the White House pushed his life towards death. Paul said that, ‘Obama is the reason I’m dying. I couldn’t receive the surgery I needed when it was treatable, and now it is to late.’ He said he would have had a chance if he had been ill while W. was President. I cried when he shared this, and Paul tried to hug me. It hurt for him to breathe. It hurt for his clothes to touch his skin. Regardless, his hug of comfort was the most generous gifts I have received to this day.

I had the opportunity to visit him and his kitty cat, Kitten after select family members visited him from his home state of New York. Paul, like all proud Daddy’s, bragged about his children and family visiting complete with the ceremonial viewing of the pictures. The images reflected the nonverbal love that only a Dad can convey for his family. He loved and was proud of his two Daughters and two Sons with every ounce of his being.

Paul also talked about the times he enjoyed dining with his Brother-in-law and Mother and talking to his Mother on the telephone. Remember, he could barely move his jaw due to surgery thus limiting the amount of time he could speak. Paul loved and missed his Momma; he explained how difficult it was to visit with her due to his Sisters schedule.

During this wondrous visit, Paul disappeared into the kitchen to reveal his Master Chef Culinary gift that only God can bestow upon the chosen with this art. An aesthetically, magnificent presentation of shrimp and grits with asparagus was one of the last gifts he gave to me. His illness left him with a limited ability to use one of the most important senses a Chef possesses; his sense of taste had been altered. He apologized for it all being a bit too salty. It was by far one of the most delicious and memorable dinners I have ever experienced.

He shared many stories about his travels and adventures around this great nation of ours. Paul had unique gifts and opportunities to prepare exquisite feasts and the privilege to serve dignitaries, foreign and domestic, his delicious works of art. His resume included dinners for former United States Presidents and Politicians; however, the most impressive of his work was serving the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher. This was a thrilling bit of history he shared. Apparently, his co-workers were terribly intimidated by the former Prime Minister. Paul being an honorable gentleman and leader seized the opportunity to ensure that the legendary, historical figure received not only the excellent service she was not only accustomed to but, also, provided the personal yet professional attention she deserved. Prime Minister Thatcher and Paul spoke and laughed as if they had known one another for ages.

Paul was an extraordinary man who loved his Children, Mother, Family, Friends and his Kitten. His will to live and to serve others through his gifts and stories will live on with those who were privileged to have had Paul as a friend and appreciated him for himself.

Tormented with unimaginable pain, Paul was and will always be an inspiration.

Despite all obstacles, he continued to drive his motorbike to his appointments until his body simply would not allow him to anymore. He continued to utilize his culinary gifts and talents for others without expectations of anything in return. Paul had every reason to complain and allow anger and darkness to rule his life; however, he chose to focus on what he did have…God’s gift of Life and Love; God’s gift of Children; God’s gift of Family; God’s of Friends; God’s gift of Kitten; and God’s most precious gifts of His Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 8:17  ^“ I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” My Soul is comforted knowing that Paul’s foundation of faith was cemented from his early childhood and blossomed.

May God Bless You, Comfort and Keep You.

With Gods Love,

The Crow Family