10/10/2026
Gods Timing…
I came to Wilmington this week for the North Carolina Real Estate Convention. I was here working, sitting through classes, taking care of business, and doing what I came here to do.
Then I received a phone call from Hope Abounds. They weren’t calling because they needed anything from me. They were simply calling to check on me.
That’s who they are. They check on people.
During our conversation, they mentioned they were having a Hope Abounds fundraiser here in Wilmington that evening and asked if I would come. I told them I would. Later, they asked if I would say a few words about Shelly.
I don’t believe it was just chance. A simple phone call turned into something I believe God wanted. He put me exactly where I need to be at the right time.
That night, I stood in front of a room full of strangers and got to talk about Shelly.
I talked about the time we spent together and our amazing family. You see time is spoken of in the Bible and compares it to a v***r that vanishes away. Cancer has a way of making you understand just how precious time really is. And that’s one thing Shelly understood. She made time for people.
She checked on them. She remembered birthdays and anniversaries. She sent cards and texts. She smiled. She gave those special hugs. Even near the end of her life, she was more concerned about her family and whether we were going to be okay…That was who Shelly was.
I also shared what Hope Abounds did for our family. We found ourselves in a crisis we never asked to be in. Hope Abounds stepped in. They helped us. They cared for us. They walked beside us.
I was thankful for the opportunity to talk about Shelly and the 36 years with her, but I don’t believe those 36 years are the end of our story. I believe there’s still more to tell about Shelly and more to tell about what Hope Abounds can do for people…. They give families hope and guidance .
So tonight, I simply want to say thank you to Hope Abounds and everyone who serves there. Thank you for what you did for Shelly, for me, and for our family.
And thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell a room full of strangers about the woman I love, the God we served, and the hope that carries me forward.
We don’t get to choose how much time we’re given. But we do get to choose what we do with it.
Shelly spent hers loving and giving to others.
Hope Abounds does the same. ❤️
Please help support this amazing organization and visit their website and give
Hope Abounds Cancer Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing no-cost support services, science-backed education, and financial resources to individuals with an active cancer diagnosis, their caretakers and families.