He Puts My Tears In A Bottle (Psalm 56:8)

Earlier in the week, I lost two people who meant everything to me growing up. Allan and Kari Taylor played such a huge part in my life as a child, and it is unbelievable to me that they have gone. Their passing was hugely traumatic for all concerned, and I can't think about them without crying.

I still remember mum and I heading off to Airley Beach for a holiday in 1985, only to find the Taylors running a COC camp up there. In an instant we were invited to join the bushdance that night - and there I am, four years old and in my favourite pink tutu being twirled around by Allan as I stood on his feet. Mum and I looked at the photo earlier this week and laughed and cried as we remembered.

Kari took on this hopelessly uncoordinated little girl and taught her all about first, second, third position in ballet. I still remember standing at the bar (which I couldn't even see over at the time), and her spending time on me, getting my feet right. I don't remember much from my ballet years - but I will never forget how to position my hands and feet, thanks to her.

Mr T gave me my first school awards. He taught me how to curtsey as I received my trophy and certificate I still have the video as he did his curtsey, and encouraged me to do mine. The whole audience erupted into laughter - yet another common trait of being around Allan Taylor.

Every chapel memory I have has Mr T in it. I remember one in particular (that has NEVER left me), where he shared his love of the word ENTHUSIASM. I can still remember him getting all of us to call out 'EN THOOS IASM' en masse back to him! That sermon about serving God with enthusiasm challenges me even now.

He was the Dad I never had. He never once made me feel that I was taking up precious time from him. He always ran to give me cuddles as I grew up, and made me feel that I was the most important person in the world to him.

Kari's joy was so infectious. As she danced and sang for Jesus, you felt inspired to reach for more and to serve God to your best ability. There were many times I watched her and my mum sing on stage together and couldn't wait to grow up and sing just like them.

Allan & Kari's marriage was a witness to everyone who observed it. I pray that as my marriage continues, I can grasp at least half of the joy and love they expressed to one another.

I am grieving for the fact that my children will never have the opportunity to meet the Taylor's. To be touched by them as I was. To be loved and treasured and educated by teachers like that is a blessing you never fully grasp until it's gone.

Heaven is in the midst of a big party, of that I am sure. I only wish I could see it.

God Bless you Mr & Mrs T - your impact can not be described in the words I have available today.

In memory of the Taylor's, I want to share this story, which I think embodies both Allan and Kari so completely.

The Starfish Story

Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach

when he noticed a boy

picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…

“I made a difference for that one.”