Sunday, Amazing Grace For Mary Pope, My Dear Second Mother for 40 Years Who Died Peacefully Friday Night In Nashville At 93

A TRUE SOUTHERN ARISTOCRATIC LADY who---after my father died in McMinnville moved back to Nashville---refused to move to a fancy assisted living facility, preferring to stay in her lovely condo and be taken care of by several lovely, Christian black women sitters/family whom she loved and who loved her---Kim, Brenda, Rhonda---as well as her sons and other family.

Ours was a true southern family of Gothic proportions. After my mother died, my/our father remarried Mary Pope whose deceased husband Bob Crichton, a recovering alcoholic co-founded Cumberland Heights for drug and alcohol recovery with Dr. Thomas Frist. When my sister married one of our 4 step brothers (they were later divorced), the complicated extended family relationships got even more complicated.

My relationship with Popie remained steadfast through many ups and downs over the years. I spent incredibly rich and poignant time with her twice the week before I left for Wyoming. The two of us shared truths last week that seared my soul and relieved hers of many burdens in her last days---truth that set her free and gave me and our family the opportunity for healing, forgiveness and eternal, redeeming love.

May you rest in peace, dear Popie. I love you. Much more importantly, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ loves you.
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