Dedication Page

I dedicate this page to the loving memory of my son, Gary S. Hawkins Jr.

Gary S. Hawkins Jr.

Born

January 9, 1984

Died

November 23, 2003

Afflicted soul he long has been,

all human skill in vain,

till God did please to give him ease,

and freed him from his pain.

Below is a poem written by a good friend of mine for Gary

The Bravest Battle

By Rev. Richard A. Smith

In memory of Gary S. Hawkins, Jr.

The bravest battle that was ever fought

Shall I tell you where and when?

On the maps of the world you will find it not,

But in the heart of a brave young man.

It was not with cannon or battle-shot

Nor sword, or nobler pen;

No not with eloquent words of thought

From mouths of learned men.

But deep in a walled-up young man’s heart

A boy who would not yield,

Who bravely, silently bore his part-

Yes, that was the battlefield.

No gathering troops, no marching song-

No banners to gleam and wave-

But, oh these battles, they last so long-

From boyhood to the grave.

Yet faithful still as a bridge of stars

He fought in his walled-up town.

Fought on and on in endless wars,

Then, silent, unseen, goes down.

Oh, Ye, with banners and battle-shot

With soldiers to shout and praise,

I tell you the kingliest victories wrought

Are won in these silent ways.

Oh, spotless child, in a world of shame

With splendid and silent scorn,

Go back to God as pure as you came

The kingliest warrior born.