*Warning: This is a long sappy post that comes from my heart. I'm not sure why, but I needed to put it in writing today. Read at your own risk
Happy Birthday Bert!
In August of 1974 shortly after moving his wife and 4 kids to a new state, a devoted father took his two oldest sons fishing. My big brothers were 8 and 6 years old at the time. On that fateful day… tragic events occurred that forever reshaped my life and the lives of my family members. While 6 year old Brendan rested in the car 8 year old Bert and his dad drowned in an Oregon river.
My amazing Mom found herself widowed with 3 small children. Faced with devastating loss and pain my Mom had every worldly reason to let pain and bitterness consume her. But she didn’t! She didn’t!
She got on her knees and tuned toward God and our Savior and allowed them to carry her through. She searched the scriptures, and let the words of prophets both old and new reaffirm the amazing faith she had always had. She picked up her 3 small children and moved forward. Her faith, strength and courage have made me who I am today.
In 1975 she married my Dad, a bachelor in want of a family of his own. He was ready to take on new challenges to get to be with the amazing woman that my mother is. I am the oldest of 5 more children they had together. And to complete the madness that is my family, my cousin Michael that is the same age as my deceased brother came to live with us, and grew up as one of my siblings.
In our home there was no step-father, no half-siblings … just Mom and Dad and a whole slew of brothers and sisters. We were taught by love, faith and unity and example.
My awesome brother Brendan accepted his role as our new oldest brother in this life, and set an amazing example of hard work and courage. He is “steadfast and immovable”.
My sister Jessica became a 2nd mother and ensured that everyone was loved and doted on, she has the most amazing gift of reaching people, and bringing out the best in them, no matter how far they have buried it in themselves. Jessica has countless times literally given the shirt off her back, and opened the doors of her home to feed and shelter the rest of us.
Chris has an incredible mind. With a fun sense of humor and a soft spot for nature, Chris keeps his deepest thoughts and feelings close to his heart. But to talk to Chris is to expand your mind and way of thinking.
My younger sister Debbie, was my first best friend. And never have I met another person that puts so much genuine effort into doing the right things for the right reasons. She is a tireless example of the rewards of righteous work and effort.
My little brother Joe has a heart of gold with an inspiring capacity to love. To be around Joe is to enjoy life. His quick wit turns even the most mundane situations into moments of laughter.
My baby sister Sarah is a social butterfly. On some measuring sticks…my complete opposite. Sarah is surrounded with people wherever she goes. She has an ingrained gift and ability to truly and unconditionally accept people for who they are. And as a direct result people around her can’t help but feel loved and desire to “stand a little taller”. Sarah listens… she listens to nature, she listens to the people around her, she listens to the world and she listens to the spirit. Sarah is teachable and inspiring.
Brian is the baby of our family. And in this role he finds himself entitled to the love and devotion of all his older siblings. He seems to absorb and magnify many gifts. Brian is cautious, a true friend, and is loyal to righteous causes. Brian is a hard worker and someone you want on your side. He sets his standards high and works to achieve the best.
I can’t talk about my siblings without talking about the cousin who became my brother Michael. When Michael came to live with us, he added even more depth and dimension to our family. He doted on us, opened our minds to sciences, and great thinking. Michael has a soft heart and an inquisitive mind. We fell in love with him, and I’ve felt many times that he fell in love with us as well.
Along with my husband and children, these people, and their spouses, children and in-laws make up my inner circle. They love me, teach me, inspire me, and shape my very character. Like all families we have our quirks, our dark spots, our flaws. But nothing can interfere with the bond of love and faith we share.
I KNOW, not just believe, but KNOW for myself. That these people all existed before this world was, and will continue to exist long after this life is over. I KNOW that Jesus Christ atoned for my sins personally and paid the ultimate sacrifice so that I can be with those I love for eternity. I love and wonder about my oldest brother Bert. I wonder what he would be doing today if he had lived to see his 43rd birthday. I miss him, and the moments and special events in life that are missing with him gone.
And yet I know that he continues to exist, and that I will again share life with him.
I know… that just as this life is full of progression, learning and purpose that the next life is full of purpose and joy as well.
I love my siblings and family more then words can ever express. And I am grateful for everyone that shares this time on earth with me. Thank you all for touching my life and my heart.
And Happy Birthday Bert! God be with you till we meet again.
Pam
Comments
I usually read but don't comment on blogs, however I had to tell you what a great tribute to our family this post is. You have a sweet and special heart and it really came out in this post. Because my boys don't have cousins their age, I often wonder what Bert's wife and kids would have been like. He is a special spirit and I can't wait to see him again. Happy Birthday Brother! And thanks for your wonder thoughts Pam.
Thank you for your inspired words. I think we all needed them at this time. You always asked so many questions about Bert when you were very small, more than anyone else. I have always thought you had a specail bond with him before you came to this earth. I remember when you were about three you told me that "you were looking out the window of Heaven when Bert and Al drowned." You also told me that when Heavenly Father sent you to earth he gave you a big hug and a kiss and two cupcakes and told you he loved you and wold miss you until you returned home again to be wilth him. I love you, what a beatiful tning it is that your life is whole again thanks to Dan and you are free to let yur talents and love be shared with all. Thanks for your kind words. I love you, mom
Happy Birthday Bert!
Leslie