I had the privilege of seeing the Rambos in concert several times in the early ’70’s, and even met them on one or two occasions. But the highlight of my life (literally) was in November of 1983, when Dottie & Buck came to minister at my church in Galveston, TX. Knowing how I felt about Dottie, my pastor elected to have me pick up Dottie and Buck at the airport in Houston and take them to their hotel room in Galveston. I even “drove Ms. Dottie” for about an hour, while she slept in the back of the van, exhausted from the plane ride and in pain from an ear infection. And, though few words were shared between us due to her fatigue, it was my express privilege just to be in the presence of this woman of God.

The next day, during the Sunday evening service, Dottie suddenly stopped between songs, looked me in the eye and spoke very prophetically into my life concerning personal issues that neither she nor anyone else in the congregation could have known about. She then dedicated a song to me: “The Mercy Throne,” which, at that time, was my favorite song from her most recent solo album. She also had no way of knowing that. At that point, I realized what I should have known from years of listening to her songs: Dottie truly was a lady with whom God shared intimately from the depths of His heart.

I must admit that this past week has been a nightmare for me. I weep, but my tears are only for those of us who are left behind to carry on without Dottie. Truly, earth’s loss is heaven’s gain. And, I believe that very soon we’ll meet again. And, Dottie will sing us new songs that she’s written since her departure from this life. Oh, how I long for that day!

To the family: I know it must be difficult to endure such an ordeal with the eyes of the public on you. We just loved your Mother so much. Thank you for sharing her with us. And, thank you for sharing your own lives, songs, and ministry with us. God bless you. You are continually in my thoughts and prayers.