Page 27 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2020- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS
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Senior Senior

Phyllis Lunsford

On a

Positive

Note

by Madelyn Mandry

f I were to describe Phyllis probation department as a secretary did just that for her own kids. One
Lunsford with just one word, it for 33 years. She displays courage of the most traumatic trials Phyllis
Iwould be “encourager”. I saw and kindness that is inspiring to faced with great perseverance and
this at a very young age when we all who get the pleasure of meeting forgiveness was when, at the age of
were sitting on the back porch, her. She is someone I look up to 23, her brother was killed by a man
our ears filled with the sounds of because, although she has faced while in the Navy on shore leave.
birds chirping, and the light breeze many trials and difficulties, she Although she had three young
brushing against my skin. That was continues to press on and run the children at home, she went to San
the first of many times my “Geegee” race laid out before her. I aspire to Juan, Puerto Rico with her brother’s
gave me encouragement about the have the strength and kindness that new bride for the murder trial.
days ahead. As we were looking she displays so gracefully. The thing She explained that seeing the man
forward to my tenth birthday, she I love most about her is how she who killed her brother was oddly
lifted my spirits and told me about takes a difficult situation and uses it healing. She could see the inner
how much she loved being ten. It for good. turmoil within him. She explained
is funny how these memories stay that it was then that she accepted
with you through the years and how Phyllis’ childhood, at times, was the outcome, forgave the man, and
such a small conversation has stayed difficult because of the many trials found the peace of the Lord.
with me and encouraged me. that her family faced. Enduring
these difficulties made her Many people use the phrase
My grandmother, Phyllis, carries determined that she would make “turn lemons into lemonade.” I
herself with a kindness that catches sure that her family knew that believe Phyllis is an example of
the eyes of those around her. She they were loved unconditionally. just that. She takes the sour things
is a grandmother to four, a mom to This strengthened her own family. of this world and allows them to
three, and an amazing wife. She has Phyllis saw how important it is to strengthen her and encourage the
worked for the Federal Courts in the have a strong marriage, and she people around her. For example,

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