One Last Meeting

 

One Last Meeting

Larry, John, and I shared one final lunch together at Milk n Honey—an iconic Canton establishment that served the community for decades before closing last year. About two years ago, the three of us met there to reminisce, laugh, and enjoy the kind of time brothers should make more often. We never did enough of that.

As we were finishing lunch, I considered taking a photo of the three of us. I hesitated, let the moment pass, and never captured that memory. A year later, we lost John, and the opportunity for that picture is gone forever.

Take your photos. Say “I love you.” Offer forgiveness, and ask for it in return. Say your goodbyes with sincerity and embrace those who are close to you.

For many, tomorrow never arrives.

Daniel Criss

July 14, 2026

 

“What I Miss the Most”

This past August, about one week before his 63^rd birthday, I lost my brother John. John was really more than a brother; we were close friends. His funeral, as beautiful as it was, was particularly difficult for me because I came to realize that would be the last time I would worship the Lord in John’s presence. But that’s not even what I miss the most.

My Dad, the late Rev. Edgar C. Criss, died when I was 6 years old. Although my ears certainly heard him preach many times, I really have no recollection of those messages. Even said, I have no doubt those messages made an impact on my young life because the messages of truth he preached are deeply ingrained in my being. I would love to have had the opportunity to talk to Dad about scripture.

It has now been 23 years since my Mother, Geneva, died. I have what I believe is the last Bible that she used, or one of them. The notes and highlights in these scriptures are treasures. Another treasure I have from her is my memories of our Saturday mornings together. The last several years of her life I brought my young children and stayed with her every other weekend. My eldest daughter Erica once told me that what she would remember the most about her Grandma is how she would always be studying her Bible first thing on Saturday mornings. Mom and I spent many times discussing scripture, those memories will always be precious to me.

John and I spoke about scripture many many times over the years. I would always make a point to call him after my study and prayer time when God would reveal something new to me I hadn’t really noticed before. The last time we had one of these moments together, I spoke of the scripture and got no further. John said, “oh that’s so good”. He wouldn’t let me even finish my thoughts, he said he wanted to do his own study on it. Most of the time though, John would expound on scripture and was a tremendous mentor to me in the word of God. That is what I miss the most.

Who knows who might be my next mentor in the Word? God will provide, He always does.