Always Remembering

Jul 20

In memory of Alex’s birthday, I am sharing my speech from the Alex McMinn Prayer Chapel dedication at Anderson University. I have also linked some stories and sites about him for his loved ones to have easy access to them. I especially love watching the memory slide show of Alex that we played at his receiving of friends which you can find on the Harris website below his obituary.

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Little Man.

Alex McMinn Prayer Chapel Dedication:

Alex was born one week past his due date on a hot July day in 2001, to a proud father, now with a namesake and one on one basketball opponent, and to a 3-year-old big sister who was over the moon for her baby brother and only once, and only after his second week of colic, asked if it were possible to “take him back.”

His baby/toddler-hood was spent in my arms, if he could help it, but he eventually opened his love and friendship to anyone he met.

He met Jesus as his Savior at the age of 7 and was ever sensitive to and interested in what God had to say about life. He was funny, smart, handsome, adventurous, deep, courageous, strong, and loyal, but was known mostly for his love for God as displayed in his love for others.

As a child, he made fast friends with his extended family members, classmates, elderly neighbors, and the “younger kids” in the community where he regularly organized town-wide whiffle ball tournaments in his backyard.

As a teenager, he formed deep friendships with his sports teammates, with a beautiful girl that he never let go of, with a life coach he met on an airplane, with a pen pal, with the Little Debbie man, with a Methodist minister…. just to name a few.

As a young adult, he made great friends with his college peers, with a diehard Wildcat fan from Kentucky, with a retiring professor of education, with the basketball and track players he coached, and with the tiniest of friends in the P.E. classes he taught at BPA.

For the final 12 hours of Alex’s life, his dad and I had the devastating yet high honor of witnessing hundreds of Alex’s loved ones- some of whom we had never met- come in to say goodbye to Alex and to whisper to him how much he meant to them and how they would forever carry on the love and light that Alex shared with them. Though this was no doubt the most earth-shattering day of our lives that we wish never would have happened, we count it a precious gift from our Father in heaven to have been able not only to share our own goodbyes, but to also have witnessed these moments where the impact Alex made on everyone who knew him was shared.

We received so many kind notes after Alex died, but I want to share just a couple with you that I think help paint a picture of Alex’s brief life here on earth that will no doubt have eternal impact.

11-9-2023 Dear Mike and Martha, You have been on our minds and in our prayers. Alex was special to us all. We can’t say anything about him that you don’t already know. He is a good man. I can hear him say- “I learned from the best.” He did and you two did a great job raising him. If we could have chosen another son, we would have wanted one just like Alex. The last time I played golf, I played with Alex. The two of us just ran into each other at McCormick County Country Club. Alex was very tolerant of my poor play. We are happy to have known him even for such a short time. -Pastor Frank.

November 2023 Pastor Mike and Martha, Oh the Legacy Alex has left in his life and even now. He definitely lived up to the meaning of “to know him is to love him.” I am so thankful to have known him and even more thankful for the wonderful impression of his love for God and others that he made on my grandson, Nathan. -Libby

November 2023 Coach McMinn, I enjoyed every Monday and Thursday with you. You brought a lot of happiness to the school. You were always so nice, I will always remember you. P.E. was so much fun with you being our coach. You will always be the best coach at BPA. Have a great time in heaven with God and Jesus. I Miss you!!! Go Bulldogs!! Love, Vanna, 8 years old

November 2023 Dear Alex, I remember when we played capture the flag. It was fun. I also remember when you were in the hospital. I wish we could live a better life together. I want to tell you that I miss you and thank you for being a good coach. I love you forever. - Mikah, 5 years old

Spring 2024 *Identifying information has been removed from this letter* My name is _______. My mother’s constant reading of the Bible determined my first name. For many years now, I’ve sought to reduce the level of violence in the streets of ___________, and I work daily with the homeless- those experiencing mental health issues and drug addiction, among the younger population especially. My work is a mission to me, one that your gift affords me to continue. How thankful I am cannot be truly expressed by the mere recitation of words. When I look at my daughter and sons, and my eight grandchildren, I know that the gracious gift you have given to me is a blessing that I shall honor for the rest of my life. Thank you. - Donor recipient of one of Alex’s organs.

Always Remembering

The Rock of Rizpah

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