“I know saints still exist today. My Great-Uncle Elec was an average conservative guy, born and raised in the Virginia Appalachians. He served in both World War 2 and Vietnam, was a successful business owner, and a brother to over 12 siblings. He would have been one of the richest men in Virginia at numerous points, if he didn’t keep donating up to 90 cents of every dollar he made. Always made sure never to be late for church, no matter the conditions. He loathed damnation and hatred, always seeing the peaceful side to faith, citing it as his source of tolerance. Gay, Black, Jewish, Muslim, or Poka-Dotted, he'd treat you and talk to you like he'd known you since childhood. To him, no one was a stranger, just another friend he hadn't spoken to in awhile. He employed blacks and minorities in the middle of segregation’s darkest years with fair pay and reasonable work hours, personally defending his employees from unscrupulous groups such as the KKK when needed. Never married or had children of his own but was the god parent to nearly all of his nieces and nephews, and was especially close to my grandmother. When she passed away in 2003 from cancer, he drove several hours a day, everyday; to visit her tombstone and talk to her. He did so in snow, hail, and thunder, right up to the age of 94. Elec passed away last year of old age, nearly the entire town showed up to his funeral.”