Tulley and I were riding around one day in his car like we did from time to time. We’d drive around and just talk and catch up cause we didn’t get to see eachother much. This particular day, however, Tulley was really chatty! It was a big day! We were getting ready to head to the woman’s Center there in Winter Haven. We both were waiting pretty impatiently for the phone to ring to let us know it was time to head over. 

Tulley had been an only child for about 16 years or so and was a touch nervous about being a big brother. He kept asking what it was like to have a brother. I told him it was great! I told him he was gonna be a great big brother and he was gonna get to see his brother grow and get to play with him and go to ball games and all that stuff. Tulley was excited but still nervous. I understood since it was all so new to him. 

Finally the phone rang and he answered as cool and collected as he could. The baby was here! We were close to town so we headed straight there and walked up to the room from the lobby where a nice lady took our ID’s and gave us visitor stickers. All the way up the elevator, Tulley was much calmer now that he knew everyone was ok. His mom was ok and the baby was ok! He was calmer now for sure.

When we got to the room, he was anxious to get inside and see his brother but he wasn’t ready for what he experienced. When we walked in, he saw his mom holding baby Darryl. As Tulley walked over to the bedside, he became completely silent. He crossed his arms and put his hand over his mouth. As a worried friend I walked over to see his face in time to see the tears begin to fall. He realized, for the first time, a love between brothers. It’s a love that can’t always be explained. It was a love that he didn’t know he had in himself until Darryl arrived.

I watched my friend stare at this little boy with complete adoration for a while and then he wanted to hold him for himself. As he took Darryl in his arms, he became the proudest man in the hospital; next to Scott of course. We all cried and laughed for the little while that we had in the room with them before we stepped out to let Shelly and the baby rest. 

I’ll never forget that day with my friend. It’s always been one of my favorite memories and experiences in life. God bless the Stokes and Clark families. Prayers for you all. We love y’all.

My friend. We hadn’t been close in years. But whenever we saw eachother from time to time, it was as if no time had ever passed. Your laughter and smiles were contagious, brother. I can’t believe you’re not with us anymore. I never had the pleasure of meeting your dad, but I’m so sorry and I’m praying for peace and God to show you Himself to you in an incredible way Mr. Stokes. Tulley loved you so much. When we were young and would go for a drive in his green Camaro, he talked about you a lot. He talked about how you two enjoyed time together and how much you two were so much alike. He was so proud to be your son.

To Scott, Shelly, and Darryl- I love y’all so much and am praying for peace and God’s presence  to fill your home in a way that’s unforgettable. You knew mine and Tulley’s relationship.  We were friends who didn’t see eachother much but always had a  place for eachother in our hearts. I praise God that I’ll see him again one day and we’ll hug eachother tight like we always did when we ran into eachother here and there. He always discussed how much he loved you, Shelly and how glad he was the you found Scott. Every time Darryl was brought up, Tulley lit up like a Christmas tree. You were the brother he never knew he always wanted. I’m so sorry and if y’all need anything in the world, y’all know the Pitts family is here.