A letter written and read by Glenn S. Sinclair, Jr. at Glennie's memorial service

 

Since Glennie was first diagnosed, I have been the speaker for my family. So, I thought it only right to come up here today to say a few words. When the diagnosis came out, it was a horrible time for my wife and I. We couldn’t eat, sleep, or speak. For those of you who know me, you know that’s a pretty big deal. After about a week, we got out of that initial shock, and I promised that my son would always have a voice through me. Let me start by thanking each and every individual here. I wish I had time to name you all by name, but unfortunately, time will not allow it. To my family at Easton, you were always there for us, giving of your time, and you possessions, to help my family move, and move comfortably. Many people asked my family and myself “How do you do this?” To that I give these two answers. By the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and with the help of faithful friends like you. If ever you find yourself in an unfavorable situation, look to your left and your right, those will be that people who will help you through anything. Also, my family and I are forever indebted to you. If any of you need anything, I will do whatever is in my power to do. To the nurses of Bayada, I extend a very heartfelt thank you. The nurses that we developed relationships with in the care of our son are relationships we will always cherish. You are always welcome into our house. To the doctors and nurses of Children’s hospital of Philadelphia, your care and wisdom are beyond anything I ever could have imagined. It has been said that God has a purpose for everything; we may not always know what that is, but there is a purpose. Look around this room, at all the people that Glennie touched in some way. That is just one of the many purposes of my sons life. I’m sure there are many more that we will see at some time in the future. My whole life I prayed that I would have a son, someone that I would play football with, watch the Eagles with on Sunday, coach baseball to, all those things I did with my father. I got a son, a son I would never teach to play baseball, or football; he did love to watch the Eagles with me though. But I got so much more then I could’ve ever gotten from a healthy son. I got a son who cared enough about me to help bring me closer to my God and to my wife. I can never begin to thank him for that. I will end this by saying I envy him. He now has the best seats in the house for every Eagles game, and he is playing football and baseball with all the relatives I miss so much. Uncle Jeff, take care of him, son, I miss you, have fun with your new friends, and I will meet you there.

Thank you.