Dr. Oates and I shared similaririties in our backgrounds, one of which was we both experienced alot of orthopedic pain. When I was his student at Southern he shared in class that over Easter break he would be going to Mayo clinic for diagnostic work to see if they could find a way to relieve the pain. He asked for our prayers for him during this time. As I listened I decided that a personal "Bunny" to accompany on his trip might be just the thing to help him during this time. I had spent years as a child in hospitals and knew first hand how comforting my bear was to me. It was Easter and a rabbit might be just the thing.

I became a "woman on a mission!" With a friend off I went to search St. Matthews for the "perfect bunny" for Dr. Oates. At last I found the one that I felt looked warm and stately.....just the one that could give him courage and make him smile. He needed a chance to smile in the midst of doctors, procedures and medical tests. And courage to endure it all!

I took the bunny back to my dorm and then began to ponder how I was going to deliver it. I couldn't just go up to him and hand it to him. I needed a plan! After consultations with friends, it was decided that I could leave it outside his office door in the corner with a note attached to his paws. The time came to deliver the bunny and with no one in sight and a friend keeping "watch" I was able to place the Bunny by his office door. I went on to my classes and after a while, anxiety sat in as I began to wonder "what had processed me" to give a bunny to "THE DR. WAYNE E. OATES!"

My last class was in a room that faced the lot where the faculty parked their cars. As I looked out the window, who do I see coming down the sidewalk going towards his car but Dr. Oates. He was carrying his Bunny, greeting passersby's and showing all his new found friend. His face was pure joy and there was that wonderful twinkle in his eyes. As I watched I was assured that giving him a bunny was the right thing! And what a gift it was to me see his joy in my small gift. Later the next week I received a note from him written from the clinic thanking me for the "Bunny" and telling me that he had a special place in his study.

That summer I had to undergo corrective knee surgery and returned to Virginia. He wrote me every week just to stay in touch....signing each note...."faithfully yours." I returned to Louisville to work after graduation. The first person I went to see upon my return was Dr. Oates. I thanked him for his caring and support during the summer.

We kept in touch over these many years. He was a wise and gentle person......reflecting God's love and acceptance for each of us...encouraging and guiding us to move on in our calling to do God's will.

I miss him being here with us.

To his wife and family, my prayers continue to be with you. Thank you for sharing him so lovingly with the rest of us.

I know the Father greeted him with open arms saying, "Well done my good and faithful servant!"