Max Vernon Griffin

Last month, a very special person passed away that I met over 50 years ago. His name was Max Griffin, and his wife had passed just a year before. I met his daughter, Nancy, when I moved to Cary, NC and started 7th grade. She became my best friend, and I spent many days and nights at her house until I moved to South Carolina in 11th grade. Her family was like my family, with her brother Mike and her sister Karen feeling like my own brother and sister, and her parents always making me feel at home. Nancy became my children's godmother and even moved to Columbia to attend USC before moving back to Cary a few years ago. Two years ago, I was in NC visiting my daughter when Nancy took me to her parent's house. It brought back so many wonderful memories and I got to hug both her parents one more time. Reading this beautiful tribute made me realize how lucky I was to have all of them in my life for most of my life. Hug the people in your life tightly and be grateful for the time you have with them. No matter how long it is, it's too short.

My father! He was a wonderful, loving father, that would do anything for his children. He was also a loving husband to his wife, whom passed away 14 months ago. So many wonderful memories of my daddy. I miss him so much!