Don has truly been one of my dearest patients ever, a most special friend, a listening caring “ear”, always good for sharing chuckles (no one chuckled as memorably as Don!), a faithful supporter of my medicine and my ministry, and a thoughtful, kind spirit from whom I never heard a bad thing about anyone. If I started to criticize something or someone, all he’d do is say a drawn-out “well….” and that would stop any complaining I might think of doing.
Don sold us a water conditioning system, and you’d have thought we were the most important house in his clientele. When I complained that there was a sinkhole that needed to be filled in, he came over himself to do the job! I wasn’t going to be bested by an 80- something year old guy, so he and I bent our backs together for several hours, with a sledge hammer, an old piece of ten by two, a pile of dirt fill and some great conversation.
We always anticipated his tiger candy both at home and at the Childress VA clinic, and he never failed us!
I honestly think the greatest tribute to Don is that his huge extended family loved him and honored him, cared for him and relished his company as much as they did.
I’m incredibly blessed that at the end, they extended their kindness to me, far away in Lebanon, to let me know what was happening as he shed his mortal coils to join His Lord with the saints. I look forward to seeing him there someday, and even in his new robes and new body, I’m going to recognize that chuckle and remind him again that I love him!
Thank you, God, for the incredible gift of Don Durham! 🙏🏼❤️🥰
