It is with a sad heart that I write this email. Dad (Floren Thompson, Jr.) passed away quietly this evening, Saturday, June 22, 2002, after seven and one-half weeks in the hospital.

So many emotions come up in trying to understand the last few months and how he has impacted our lives. My son, Floren Herschel sent me these words of encouragement and I want to pass them on to each of my children and each of my extended Band Alumni Family:

"I can only encourage you that our Heavenly Father knows all of these emotions and yearns to bear them with you and for you. His plans are to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11) and I trust that He will do just that."

I am sure that there will be many hard weeks ahead, and many sad memories refreshed by our remembrances as a family and this week especially during our 2002 Alumni Band Weekend. Dad was encouraged by each of your cards and letters and looked forward to seeing each of you.