Our father Hiram J. Green was 86 years old when he passed away on April 13, 2020 due to complications from COVID 19. We lost our mother Ella F. Green who was 85 years unexpectedly 3 days before dad on April 10, 2020. Mom and dad were high school sweethearts that were married for 61 years. They were the most loving and wonderful parents to me and my brother and sister.

Our mother had such a beautiful spirit and sowed seeds of kindness into the hearts of everyone she met. She was a woman of faith who lived her life with integrity and grace. Mommy was a woman of faith who was a leader in her church and the community where they lived. She served with dedication and commitment. My mother poured her love generously into the lives of her three children.

Dad was an intelligent, hard working man who sacrificed and provided for our family. He had so many interests that he enjoyed and shared with all of us. I remember so clearly getting up in the wee hours of the morning to head to Jersey for the deep sea fishing trips. He gave us the love of music and sports and countless other activities. Dad was friendly and kind, he was always ready to share a story and a laugh with anyone he met. He was engaged in political action groups and instilled in us the importance of speaking out and advocating for what is right on behalf of those who are less fortunate. Like my mother he was dedicated to their community. His love for us was always evident by his heartwarming smile and the loving embrace whenever he saw each of his children.

In the weeks before we lost our parents, I saw in them the faith and courage that comes when you believe and trust in God. We were unable to be with them physically so we had to put our trust in God to take care of them no matter what was going to happen. I can still hear my mother’s voice on the message she left telling us that we would get through this crisis. Her confidence, hope and expectation of a positive outcome have kept me to this day.

I’m realizing each day that I am them and they are me. I am inspired by their life to go on and learn to love completely and give unselfishly always believing the best of others. This is their legacy passed on to us. As we continue this journey, their light of love and hope still shine in our hearts. We love them always and for eternity.