Lessons of Love: A Tribute to April Thomas Fulghum

Recently, a sweet friend of ours, April Thomas Fulghum was killed, tragically, at her workplace... a young mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend was gone, just like that.  Her death rocked those who were most touched by her and left many people wondering why bad things happen to such good people.  This beautiful and happy girl did not lose her life in vain, for she and her family continue to inspire us through these life lessons of love --

- Overcome tragedy with love: At April's funeral, her brother, Shelby (wearing a cowboy hat 'cause his sister liked him in it), stepped up to the podium and began speaking about love and forgiveness...  I'm not gonna lie, even though I forgave my own sister's killer, I was in awe of how quickly he was able to forgive and encourage others to move forward with love.   On "the hardest day" of his life, he left us with this...

Love is patient and kind;
Love is not jealous or boastful;
it is not arrogant or rude.
Love does not insist on its own way; 
it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. 
Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things. 

1 Corinthians  13:4-7

- Hugs make it better:  A simple and yet beautiful life lesson was taught by April's youngest son...  While volunteering at our kid's school, I saw him in the cafeteria... he came right up to me so precious and we hugged and hugged; He said, "I'm sad... I miss my mommy".  With tears in our eyes, there wasn't much more we could say.  We just held each other... speechless.  Although I can't explain it, right then and there, came over me a feeling of peace.  He taught me, in that moment, that everything was going to be okay. 

- Strength of a lion:  April's husband, Scott, has always been a man of character...  Some days, my heart just aches for him.  They had a marriage most could only dream about, and a love that will always be stretched beyond space and time.  Having to raise two boys, Scott must now muster up the energy to get up every day, put one foot in front of the other, and "go through the motions" of life in a new way.  He proves that overcoming tragedy requires strength and dedication like no other.  Scott teaches us that regardless of what happens in life, we are stronger than circumstance.

It is not always certain why bad things happen in life...  To love and be loved, regardless of the consequence, is a message that echoes throughout April's family and friends.  She loved with all she had, and influenced those around her to do the same.  

Today and always, may April's life remind us, "Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, it's what you are expected to give -- which is everything." - Anon

Amy O'Pry Massey
www.dogtiredranch.com
View "A Promise of Hope"

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