Dad, you will be missed greatly at the wedding but I'm resting assured you'll have the best seat in the house! We love you so very much & thank you for your love and support through the years. Chad is amazing and I can't wait for y'all to meet someday in the glory of God's heavenly kingdom. Below I have included the heartfelt letters we (your children) were able to read to you a few days before the good Lord took you home ...
LETTER from Tim
Dad,
I’ve been thinking about you a lot. When I heard about the cancer coming back I wasn’t scared or worried, I was just sad. I know your strength and your faith and I know when your time comes that you will be going home. I know that your faith has probably given you that same comfort. I was sad because I knew I would be losing my friend, my world compass, my hero, my dad. You are a source of strength for me. You have given everyone you come in contact with a very special gift, the gift of yourself. The bible says no greater gift can a man give than to give his life for a friend. I believe you do that every day. You give the gift of sacrificial love. You think of others above yourself. You have taken Jesus’s call to love above all else and done so marvelously. I have not met a single person who did not think the world of you. Emily’s sister, Andrea, once said that you were “one of her favorite people,” and I think that is just a glimpse into the way you are viewed. When people who don’t know you ask about you I tell them you are the kind of man that would give the shirt off his back to a stranger if he was in need. The funny thing is I never really wondered about where you got your character because I was lucky enough to have known your mom and dad. You have taken those gifts and that example and you have multiplied them. You have given us all a name and a legacy to be extremely proud of.
The name Rolling is more than just a name now, it is a legacy of sacrifice, faith, determination, and love. I remember when times were tough, and you were out of a job, I never worried that things wouldn’t be ok. I distinctly remember Nicole telling me that we never had to worry because you and mom would do anything for the family to make it work. She said you would work at Walmart before you ever gave up on your family. You have such a strong work ethic, such a determination, you never give up. When we first heard about the cancer the first time around I was so confident that you would be able to beat it because of your strength and determination and your desire to take care of mom and the kids. I truly think this past year was a gift from God due to prayer and your faith and determination. Thank you for fighting Dad and giving us the gift of you.
Dad, you have given me so much. The example you give as you live your daily life is priceless. Among other things you have given me the gift of service, sacrifice, integrity, faith, and love. You taught me how to be a husband to Emily by the example of your marriage, how you love mom with all your heart and would do anything for her. You continued the legacy grandpa passed down to you in being an amazing father. You’ve passed down your unwavering integrity, to do what is right even if it’s not easy. I remember when I was going through a tough time at the Academy when several of my very good friends were facing expulsion. You were very compassionate but you expressed your concern because they had taken matters into their own hands and acted as vigilantes. At the time I was upset that you had said that because I wasn’t looking at the bigger picture which you wisely saw. What they did was not right, and I see that now. Thank you for being strong enough to tell me and show me what it is to have integrity and do the right thing. I remember you telling me about the only time you got in a fight. You told me you got your nose broken and got beat up pretty badly, but it was worth it. I wasn’t surprised when you followed up that statement with the reason you got in the fight. You fought for someone who was unable to protect themselves. In a truly Christ-like way you saw an elderly woman getting treated very poorly in a store by a couple of thugs and told them they had better stop or else you would take them to task. Despite the danger you sacrificed yourself, you stood for what is right, you did what the first Adam was unable to do.
You amaze me dad. You are my hero. You are a hero to many. A very poignant moment in my life was hearing about Will drawing a picture of superman on the sidewalk in chalk. When asked about what he was drawing a picture of, he very confidently said “Grandpa.” You have also given me the gift of charity and love. I remember the time cousin Nick came into town when I was growing up. Though we had a great time playing together when he left I found that he had broken my favorite toy gun. At the time I was very upset but I remember you coming home the next day with a new toy gun. You saw a need or desire and you did what you could do to make it better. I can always count on you. The letter you wrote to me while I was at prep-school and the Academy are some of my most prized possessions. Even during basic training I could always count on getting a good laugh at the comic strip clips you would include. You always provided what I needed and more.
You gave me the gift of faith. It was inspiring to be able to watch my dad every Sunday at Mass giving thanks and praise to our father in heaven. By being a great fatherly example you showed me the love of our Heavenly Father. Dad, I cherish every moment spent with you. I cherish throwing the ball around. I cherish the time you spent teaching me all the skills you learned from your dad. I cherish the time spent together recently talking about life. I pray I can honor you and your life by passing on the legacy that you have passed on from your father. I love you dad. You are my hero. Though I am feverishly praying for more time with you here on earth I know by what you have taught me and the faith you have given me that I can take solace in the fact that we will one day be united in the glory of heaven, father and son.
Your son,
Tim
LETTER from Kristina
Top Ten Reasons I’ll Always be a Daddy’s Girl
10. You are COURAGEOUS – I remember when we were little, and we were taking a road trip in our minivan. You were so brave when you passed a swerving 18-wheeler. We were all screaming and scared, but you didn’t even flinch. I still laugh about it to this day. You are my great protector.
9. You are a HARD WORKER – You instilled in us the value of hard work. “Idle hands are the devils work,” and you exemplify that every day of your life. I never see you sit still. You are my “go-to guy” if I ever need anything.
8. You are ETERNALLY OPTIMISTIC – You are consistently light-hearted and cheerful. You have the most contagious laugh. It’s muffled, quiet and soft, but your face gets all red and your shoulders bounce. You are my favorite comedy-movie date!
7. You are PATIENT - You captured many of my pouts on film. Instead of getting angry, you would pull out the camera and make a memory of it … my reaction would have been totally different. With four daughters, you knew the true meaning of patience. Boy, do I have a lot to learn! If I need someone to talk to, you will listen with a patient ear. You are my unwavering soundboard.
6. You are FULL OF INTEGRITY – You have such a strong moral judgment and principles. You are honest and you always do the right thing. You are my advisor!
5. You are LOVING – As your saying goes, “cold hands, warm heart.” I am reminded of you every time I hear that expression. You are the most compassionate father who would kiss our boo-boos and dry our tears. You are so attentive to our needs by asking your infamous question: “What are you thinking?” I find myself asking that question to my kids. You are my remedy when I need a hug.
4. You are GENEROUS – The only fights we ever have is over who is paying for dinner. You are the most unselfish man I will ever know. You’d give the shirt off your back and never think twice. I have proof of that all over my house. Every piece of furniture I own was once yours. You are my role model.
3. You are DEVOTED – You are a dedicated family man. How were you at every soccer, baseball, football, hockey, karate, tennis event ??? Five kids, millions of activities, all at the same time. Yet you managed to be there for it all. You are our biggest fan!
2. You are STRONG IN FAITH – You taught us by action, not by words. Your pure faithfulness has allowed me to be strong in my faith. Thank you for bringing me up in the beautiful Catholic Church. I am thankful every day that I have the pious foundation you built for me. And now I have the privilege of passing it on to my family. You are my rock!
1. You are SACRIFITIAL – You give EVERYTHING for your family. My strongest memory is when I would chase after your Oldsmobile when you would have to leave for your commute from Houston to Dallas. I hated seeing you leave. But you did what you had to for your family. You are my HERO!
LETTER from Michelle
Dearest Dad,
To the worlds greatest dad! You are the most honest, caring, generous and loving dad any girl could ever ask for. You have always been there for me. Growing up I know I wasn’t the easiest of children, getting the nick name “meme” but you always showed me just how much you loved me. I always remember back to my first blue bike and how you would show the video tape over and over with me riding it backwards, it was so funny and it would make me laugh for days. While you taught me how to ride my bike, you also taught me the true lessons in life … To always love to Lord with all your heart and trust in him when things aren’t going as you planned because God always has the answer. You’ve always love the Lord and had a special place in your heart for Him. Through you I found that when you believe in God, wishes and miracles do come true. My wish to find a husband as loving and generous as you was answered when I met Jack and I was so blessed to have you walk me down the aisle at my wedding day with all our family close. Then when I thought I was unable to get pregnant I was given one of the biggest miracle, my sweet baby Lacey. I see you when I look at Lacey. What a beautiful and lucky child with a heart of gold. She lights up when she sees her grandpa, you have that special touch and special whisper that only you can do. She is the luckiest girl to have such a wonderful grandpa like you.
To me you are Superdad, my true HERO. I love you truly with all my heart and I am thankful everyday that you are my dad. Thank you for everything! I love you!
Love always,
Michelle “Meme”
LETTER from Colette
Dad,
Thanks for always being here to support me and for touching my life in so many ways. I am so thankful to be blessed with such an amazing dad and an awesome man of God. Words will never do justice to the inspiration you have been and the amount of joy you have brought into my life, I love you with all of my heart.
You have always been a great father and friend. I love watching you make others laugh and enjoy their time spent with you. You always manage to bring a smile to my face and I think that is a wonderful gift you have been blessed with. My heart delights at every thought of you and it is said that “a glad heart lights up the face.” Proverbs 15:13. Friends are there to “encourage one another and build one another up” which is something you do to all those around you. You are always willing to serve selflessly; I am in awe every time I watch your wonders. You have been a faithful dad, one who is “sturdy shelter … beyond price … and a life saving remedy.” (Sirach 6:14-16) I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you (Phillipians 1:3) He has blessed you with something more than you could have every hoped for or even prayed for …. He is the one to thank. You have touched everyone’s heart in a special way by sharing your beautiful gifts. You light up the lives of all those around you. Your genuine and kind spirit is truly amazing. Thank you for sharing that with all those around you and thank you for the many blessings and joy you have brought to our lives. You are simply an inspiration. Just as you have always been there for others, I will always be here for you, in case you need lifting up, a helping hand, or simply someone to share a hug with. “He who is a friend is always a friend.” (Proverbs 17:17) Thank you for your friendship and for being the remarkable person I have grown to respect and love more and more each day.
Thank you for believing in me. “If we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us.” (1 John 4:12) I have come to know the meaning of true love, and with that love anything is possible. “Whatever you do in word or indeed, do everything in the name of Lord Jesus giving thanks.” (Colossians 3:17) Thank you for taking the time out of every day to say those three words that make me smile from the inside out… I love you.
Thank you for the gift of courage and for teaching me to follow my heart. Your words have encouraged me and given me the strength to endure. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your determination, and your drive to help me succeed. No matter what challenges lie ahead, I am gratefuI for the tools you have given me mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to achieve the impossible.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend and succeed at such a wonderful University that has also taught me the true meaning of family and traditions. Texas A&M is a family that cares for its own, a family that reaches out, and a family that is unified in the face of adversity … much like ours. There is a famous quote used in Aggieland that truly speaks volumes … “From the outside looking in, you can’t understand it, from the inside looking out you can’t explain it.” A great correlation to how faith works. I will never completely understand why things are happening the way they are, but I do know that I trust in God’s will for you. I know he has the best of intentions and your desires at heart. I hope you will be able to go forward in honesty, trust, and faith. So although I will never understand it, I can trust that you will be well taken care of.
I wanted to give you my favorite fishing lure, it always brings me luck on the water! Fishing is something that has always reminded me of you. It is definitely a sport of patience. There is a good reason they call it fishing instead of catching. When you are out on the water you have faith that the lure you are using is going to bring you success. I feel like you have always had the patience of a true fisherman. You know that everything will work out in the end, whether you have a full stringer or not. You have taught me that the key is always perseverance and trusting yourself. I have learned to never give up, so thank you for the gift of patience.
I also wanted to give you this rosary from Italy. I have one condition though, that you promise to travel with me to get another one! It has helped me get through hard times with our family. I prayed with it all throughout my travels and have continued to pray it for you. This is probably the best thing I have that can even come close to depicting all that you have given to me. You have given me the gift of faith and also given me the gift of free spirit to travel and see all that the world has to offer. I definitely get my sense of adventure, love for the outdoors, and the desire to learn about different cultures around the world from you. There is something about the wilderness that is so inspiring and I can thank you for giving me the courage to get out there and try new things. I accredit my versatility to your willingness to teach me about and expose me to the wonderful outdoors that God created. I can’t help but smile every time I experience the beauty of the outdoors, thanking God for such unique opportunities to do his will. Through all my travels I have gained a stronger sense of prayer and have been able to grow in my faith, so thank you for making my travels possible. I am excited about continuing our journey and traveling together as well as eager to continue experiencing this wonderful life with you.
Aside from the rosary, here is a special Our Father in 5 different languages; Italian, French, German, Spanish, and Latin. Hopefully this can fully express the values of what you have taught me about our faith and travel. Thank you for the gift of daily prayer and for continuing to guide me in my faith, teaching me how great God’s love is ….
Padre nostro che sei nei cieli,
sia santificato il tuo nome. (Italian)
Que ton règne vienne,
Que ta volonté soit faite,
sur la terre comme au ciel.
Donne-nous aujourd'hui notre pain essential, (French)
Und vergib uns unsere Schuld, wie auch wir vergeben unsern Schuldigern. (German)
Y no nos dejes caer en la tentación,
y líbranos del mal. (Spanish)
Quia tuum est regnum, et potestas, et gloria in saecula. (Latin)
AMEN
Trusting in the Lord, along with your prayers and support, I am confident that my path will be clear. I will have the courage and strength to do what is right and to follow my heart. I promise to make you proud. I pray that I will have the opportunity to have a family as unified and loving as ours and be able to raise my children based on the wonderful example you have set forth. Please walk with me on this journey as I am excited about the positive things to come. I ask for your continued encouragement to be a good disciple of Christ and to love not only as much as God has loved, but as much as you have loved.
I know the road ahead is unknown, but not only is it going to be an exciting journey, God will be by your side to the end. Trust in him and have patience in his plans for you. “Wait for the lord and take courage,” (Psalm 27:14) “God will lead us always.” (Psalm 47:15). You are such a loving man of God and I respect all that you are. You deserve nothing but the best in everything that you do. Your future is going to be bright so don’t worry and have faith. Delight in the Lord and all of the wonders of His name. Let the Holy Spirit guide you to truth and faith. Seek the Lord and walk with him. Never stop sharing the gifts you have been blessed with because they bring others such happiness. Keep smiling and being a blessing to all those around you. Mother Theresa said that joy is the surest sign of God’s presence in the soul. I pray that you are able to rejoice through the good and the bad. Thanks for being my father and my best friend. You will always shave a place in my heart. I love you dad, you are the best!
Love always,
Coco
Lord, please be with all those traveling to and from the wedding. Thank you for the many blessings you have given us, thank you for our loving family and friends, & thank you mostly for Your unwavering and wonderous love. Heavenly Father, we are so excited to engage in the beautiful sacrament of marriage. Thank you for lighting up our hearts, filling us with the Holy Spirit, & for giving us the gift of joy as we stand in awe of your marvelous ways. "Joy is the surest sign of God's presence in the soul" - Mother Theresa ..... Amen
