Dear Dad,

There are so many things I will miss about you on my wedding day, your sense of humor, ability to make everyone at ease and laugh in any moment or situation, your smile that lights up the room, yours and Mom’s dance moves that put everyone to shame. I’ll especially miss your words of wisdom, and warm papa bear hugs that convey all at once your love for me, your pride in me, and that you will always be here for me.

You raised us all to love the Lord, to follow Him first and foremost, and to ask for everything in His will. You and Mom prayed that we would find Godly husbands someday who do the same - put the Lord first, and to love and honor their family as the Bible instructs. I’ve often been jealous for more time with you, and that you could meet Michael, but you probably have learned a lot about him from your view in heaven. I’m sure you can see that he truly loves the Lord and seeks to glorify Him in his walk with Christ, and in his relationship with me. I hope you know today how gracious God has been to me to allow Michael in my life, how much he encourages me to serve the Lord, and how much abundance, joy, and security he has brought into my life.

I know you will be with me walking down the aisle, just as you are with me every day. I feel your presence in my heart, and your voice in my mind, guiding and encouraging me when I most need it, and I am so thankful for you. I can’t wait to celebrate in glory together someday soon. I love you.

Love,

Amaris

Pearl Chuck was Michael’s grandmother and the matriarch of the Chuck family. And quite a family she cultivated with 7 children, 24 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Pearl went to be with God in 2019 at the age of 91, but will never be forgotten for her love of family and God. She was born in the hills of Jamaica in 1927. Her husband, James died when her youngest child was only 2 years old, leaving her with 7 children to raise on her own.

Pearl immigrated to the United States in 1972, settling in New York. Eventually she moved to Florida to support two of her daughters. Pearl was loving, caring, and kind to Michael along with the rest of her children and grandchildren. She was always busy in the kitchen cooking various Jamaican dish specialties, but was never too busy to stop to talk, laugh, and give advice to anyone who asked. Pearl had a great smile and a wonderful laugh. She was a fierce competitor playing dominoes and was willing to stay up well past midnight if anyone was visiting. Pearl loved soap operas along with watching ice skating and tennis.

Pearl always made herself available by helping with cooking when a new grandchild was born, and she loved to hold the latest addition to the growing Chuck family. She would always be at her grandchildren’s high school and college graduations if she was able to travel. She was so proud of her family and encouraged everyone to get an education and pursue their dreams. We know she would be so happy for Michael that he had found the love of his life and would have been fond of Amaris. We have a strong faith that Mama Pearl is in heaven and her loving, caring spirit will be with us at the wedding.

-Arthur Chuck