Sometimes there are people in our lives who are just there for us, who are open and loving and giving, who are so over-the-top-special that we can’t imagine living without them in the world. My friend Clint Franke, who departed this universe a few days ago, was one of those people.

I first met Clint, his wife Diane, and his daughters Debi and Laurie, when I was working in Jacksonville Beach, Florida as a teacher – years ago. The Frankes adopted me like I was part of their family, and to this day I’ve always felt that I am. So I’ve traveled to Florida often to be with “my beach family.”

From the time he was a very young child, Clint had a passion for aviation and travel which led him to a long career with Eastern Airlines until he retired. He also enjoyed finding homes and renovating them. One day he found the perfect place in the mountains of North Carolina and there he built his dream home – a beautiful log cabin surrounded by trees, hills, and birds – a place he loved and shared with many of us.

I have many wonderful memories of times with Clint and his family. They opened their home and their hearts to me – loving me, caring for me, feeding me great food, making me laugh. Whenever I visited them in Jax Beach, Clint insisted I drive one of his groovy cars – usually some kind of hot convertible. He told me I looked real cool behind the wheel, that all the guys would definitely notice me!

I remember one very special time when Clint took me to the airport. As I was walking toward the plane, he yelled at me, “Hey, pal (his term of endearment for many friends), don’t forget I love you!” Clint truly was the love of many of our lives, and I thank God for the gift of Clint, our amazing pal.

Mary McDonald, who grew up with Debi and Laurie and practically lived at the Franke home, wrote a beautiful tribute to Clint. I couldn’t say it better, so with Mary’s permission I am including it here.

a love well lived
by Mary McDonald

He gave us mountains and Mexico,
rides in convertibles and rides in the skies.
He gave us laughter that left us radiant and
helplessly in tears,
and glad to be together.

His was a love well lived.

No matter the size of our needs
or the shape of our troubles,
he fit us perfectly
into his home, his heart, his family.
He was a creator and collector,
but the finest thing he made was room in his life
for all of us, his best and most beloved collection.

His was a love well lived.

He cheered our small triumphs,
winked at our mischief
and turned a blind eye to our shortcomings.
If he ever thought less of us,
he kept us safe from knowing,
seeing only our goodness
so that we could see it, too.

His was a love well lived.

He was the parent, the grandparent,
the spouse and the friend
we are meant to be,
always showing the way to the high road,
the only road he knew.
When we went to his side to see him off,
to say goodbye,
we could only sing our thanks
for a life, and a love, well lived.

Thank you, God, for creating someone as special as our pal Clint. May he be an example to us to learn to live life fully, to be hospitable, generous, and kind. We pray that Clint is driving his groovy convertibles around heaven right now with many of his friends who are already there. I’m sure he is looking “real cool.” Amen.

Joy Carol
www.joycarol.com