Heaven Is In Awe
Brian started this blog to keep everyone in touch with his greatest challenge in life. He called it his Journey and it has truly been a Journey not only for Brian but his family and friends. The internet not only allowed him to share with everyone the ups and downs of this battle but was a mission for God to continue the ministry of his strong belief and a legacy for his two daughters in the form of a book. Anyone that had the privilege of reading the creative compositions that came from Brian felt the urgency to pass them on to someone else. It's amazing how many times it was said that Brian's choice of careers could have been one of many including writer, sports commentator and even a minister. Yesterday was sunny, cool with the slightest of breeze. It began early for those that have been at Brian's side everyday for the past few weeks - his wife, children and parents. Several calls are made and the house begins to fill with those that are closest and have stood by and come to realize what impact one person can make on so many lives. We've all read of such people, but to actually have had a person of this magnitude in your life mixes up some emotions that may have been hidden. Emotions were everywhere yesterday. Tears, laughter, memories, stories, and lots, and lots of hugs all to the beat of Jimmy Buffet and Michael Buble (Brian's favorite music). Folks moved from room to room, inside, outside but each one eventually ended up at the sofa where Brian has slept for the past few weeks. Taking turns on one end of the sofa rubbing his feet or on the floor holding his hand - ways that Brian would know "hey guy we're here with you". Kisses were abundant for this handsome young man that everyone is drawn to on a day that we all have come to realize will be the end of the Journey. Brian began his newest Journey, one that we all hope to take some day at approximately 5:45 PM,. Everyone was close by and Brian was at peace knowing he was loved by all that knew him. He was a strong individual that accepted this Journey and decided how it should be remembered. A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on Saturday, July 21st, 2007 at 3:00 followed by fellowship with family and friends. Scriptures and music were all selected in detail by Brian and Kimberly right down to the request that beach attire is expected and no black allowed. Brian loved people and looked for any opportunity to have a party going on with friends and food so what better way to remember his being than with all that meant the most to him. Kimberly, Breanne, Brooke, Dick, Nadine, Larry and Brad want to thank those that took time out of their day to read Brian's Blog. It came to be a part of so many peoples day and something to look forward to in the form of a book. Keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and remember that we were blessed to have had him but Heaven is in Awe at what it has received.
posted by Brian at 10:24 AM
26 Comments:
Well, the end of the journey but the beginning of a new life new body, no more pain and suffering. All is good, Brians blog has helped me in so many ways. Has made me appreciate life and my family more than ever. I will keep you all in my prayers. Thanks for sharing and being a blessing to so many. The Lords uses us in ways we never dreamed possible. Jessica's Mother, Marsha
I'll keep the pages of his blog forever and remind me what is good in the world...His letters were an important part of my week, I checked in every day to see what Brain was going to write next...I will truly miss him, he was a true friend and I am happy to have known such a wonderful person :)
Kimberly, Kids and Family, you’re in our prayers.
Chris Morris
Brian was an amazing man. You all are in my prayers.
Kimberly, Breanne and Brooke:
I know that you haven't heard from us in several years and may not remember us but we wanted to let you know that we were surprised and saddened to hear about Brian but are glad that he is on a new journey and in a much better place. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and his blog is an inspration to everyone that is dealing with cancer or not. His strength through this was amazing and everyone is blessed that he touched as a result of this blog.
Sincerely,
Brian, Kirsten, Anna and Noah Pataky
Kimberly, Breanne and Brooke:
Your husband and dad was a great person. To many he worked with, he was a "Man's Man", who was a million laughs, could crank a tee shot, and was a joy to be around.
He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and most of all, he kept the faith and the crown of righteousness awaits him and all who longed for His appearing. Yesterday Brian was greeted by our Lord with "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master's happiness." I am truly happy for Brian today.
Following his journey for the last 2 years helps me put things in better perspective. I am a better man for having known him and look forward to the day I see him again.
Mike Hartley
A tearful good-bye to a beautiful journey. What an awesome and inspiring person he was. Although I have never met him or his family my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Too bad he couldn't start another blog now......I am sure we would all be amazed and thrilled to hear what he is going through on this journey.
Godspeed,
Annette Murphy (Melissa Forsythe's sister)
Kimberly Breanne and Brooke
I met brian only once or twice. i don't need to tell you how fortunate youall are to have had him in your life. I have been and will be thinking of you all. You have been in my prayers. Now, if I could just get brad to be more like brian!!!!!!just kidding brad!!
Love to all, Taylor Hood
sales rep.-Americraft Leather
It's amazing how someone you've never even met can impact your life. I'll continue to lift your entire family up to our Lord with prayers of peace and fond memories. God Bless you all!
Kimberly, Breanne, & Brooke,
God Bless each of you during this difficult time. It was more than evident that you three were the reason for his will to live. Always remember where he is now, resting peacefully with his LORD. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
You are so fortunate to have had a life filled with so much love. I have prayed for your family from a far and have been inspired, like so many others, by Brian's courage and faith. His journey and his words have made such an impact on my life and I am grateful that he chose to share his story. I will continue to pray for your family and will be forever grateful for his insight.
You are so fortunate to have been blessed with such a wonderful man in your lives. Although I never met him, he touched my life through his blog. I will continue to pray for you and your family. And I thank God for Brian taking the time to share his amazing story through his incredible journey.
Kim,
You probably don't remember me, but I lived next door to you in the tiny duplex on 8th street in hickory. I saw your husband's obituary in the paper and on the App web site, and had to write. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your's in Christ
Darrell Parlier
The enduring faith, love and strength of this man and his family is something I am honored to read about. My mother, Janice Bolick, sent it to me and I am so grateful that she shared this remarkable story of courage and faith.
God bless Brian's precious family.
Amy Kotner
Murrieta, CA
Kimberly, Breanne and Brooke-
You have all been on my mind for the last few days. I keep sitting down at this computer trying to think of what to write and all that pops into my mind is some teasing that Brian would give me or funny thing he would say. I can hear him so clearly. That, I think will be my fondest memory of him, his humor and wit. Anyone that knows him can attest to that fact.
I also know how much he loved you all. I remember his face lighting up when he would talk about you. I was telling someone about him today and realized that it has been 11 years since I went to work with Brian, shortly after I got married. My how time flies. I can't believe what beautiful young ladies you have grown into. Your Dad was very pround of you.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Cecile Winstead
Dear Kimberly, Brianne, Brooke, and all of Brian's family,
I was on my way to my parent's house at the beach when I received a text message asking me if I was going to Brian's memorial service. What?! I thought. I immediately felt that heaviness in my chest. I read it again in disbelief. It took a moment to process. No, No, No. God, no! When was the last time I spoke to him? saw him? saw the family? At least a couple of months. I am so sorry. I know that Brian was in great spirits and you all were prepared but I am so sorry. What a wonderful man. I really wish I could have given him one last hug. When I read 'Heaven is in awe' I thought of my late Aunt Kathy who fell victim to breast cancer a few years back. We were all there with her when she took her last breath. And with her heart of gold she was so brave and at peace with her fate like Brian always was. I spoke of him and my few memories of catering and furniture market to my family. He was a wondeful role model and inspiration to us all. I will always remember him. Unfortunately I will not be able to make it to the memorial service. Had I only checked my email before today I would have stayed in town so I could attend. I know Brian would tell me to enjoy my family and cherish the time we have together as he did. I just gave my 80 year old grandmother a little longer hug than usual as she retired to bed. She sends her condolences. This Saturday as I celebrate my 29th birthday I will no doubt think of Brian and you all and say a prayer for you. I will also gladly donate to B & B's college fund. Thank you for sharing your journey and letting us all be a part of your lives. If there is ever anything you need please don't hesitate to call on me.
Much love and prayer,
Maggie "Cappy" and little 10 month old Anthony
What to say? How to say it? A brother in Christ, whom I have never met has gone to be with our Father. What a wonderful, glorious time he must be having!
Brian blessed me in so many ways through his blog. As with many people we take things like our health and our friends and family for granted. When in fact we are not promised our next breath. So make sure you take a little time everyday to give a hug, lend a ear or a shoulder to a fiend who is in need. Sit and reflect on your life and let God know that you are thankful for his many blessings. Stop whinning about things that are not the way you wanted them in your life. Remember things are the way God wants them, there is a reson for everything. You don't have to understand, just know that God is in controll.I pray that Brian's words will continue to touch hearts all around the world.
I will continue to pray for you that God will give you strength and peace through this difficult time. Keep his love and memory alive in your your hearts.
Jessica's and Marsha's friend, Anita
I cannot say I knew Brian as well as many others did, but I knew what kind of a person he was the first time I met him---I felt like an old friend being around him.I have had the pleasure on more then one occasion to be "spanked" by him on the Golf Course, along with his good friend Andy Bost, and to find out he was friends with my brother was an added perk to knowing him (Brian knew everyone!).....if there was a "positive" to losing to Brian is that I laughed as hard as I can "ever" remember, all the way through the Round....and even in the toughest time of his Journey, Brian's "Blogs" made me laugh,they made me cry, but they always made me smile. He was great at that...making people smile!!!
To all the family, please know that Brian will always be remembered by me and my family, and he will always bring on a "smile" when we think of him.
God Bless
A Friend....
I kept trying to write something Monday evening and couldn't find the right words. I still have not. Just a simple "thank you" for allowing me to hang out with Brian, undisturbed, for a few hours. I hope I helped him; he surely restored my faith in why we are here together and how we might spend our precious time. I will remember Brian's quiet strength when I lack my own.
"All the rivers run into the sea: yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again..."
Thank you again - if I can walk the dogs or ferry kids to the movies, please call on me far into the future.
Heather Cutler, LMT
Past Tense Massage Therapy
Kimberly and "the girls",
What an honor it was taking care of Brian during the last couple of months. It is funny sometimes how things work out. You all have inspired me so much and have given me endurance in this line of work. Kim, you are a great mother, friend and wonderful wife. All can attest to this. I will continue to have you in my thoughts and prayers. God has definitely carried you through this with His Grace and will continue to do so. In Brian's great words
Til next time.........Jessica
A life well lived doesn't end
any more than music ends
it echoes through time
with whispers of beauty and grace.
If we listen,
we can hear the encore with our hearts,
for the song plays on,
just as love lives on.
Kimberly, Brooke and Breanne,
My heartfelt prayers go out to you all. I had just returned from a trip to read Brian's blog and know now that he has been made whole again and is in the arms of a loving and merciful God! I have been a regular on Brian's blog and I can't express what a tremedous blessing I received from it. Having lost my own dad from lung cancer in 2004 to dealing in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and other challenges that life brings, I could always come back to Brian's blog and be grounded once again. What an inspiration he will always be to me and so many others! Should you ever find a moment when you struggle, I encourage you to find and listen to the song, "If you could see me now." It can do wonders for you as you accept this "Temporary" distance between each other. God Bless and lift you all!
Dana Jones
mtjdcj3ls@aol.com
Kimberly, Breanne, Brooke, and family,
We love you and are praying for each of you. Your Dad is an awesome guy. In his pursuit of "the prize", he has left a legacy for you and many others to be encouraged by. He has Won the race and received his prize, that is so cool.
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.
I have fought the good fight, I have FINISHED the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and NOT ONLY ME, but also to ALL who have longed for His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
We sure will miss him, till next time.
Your friends,
Wayne & Katrina Welch
294-8066
I know that you have not heard from me in years but I too have walked the journey you are facing. Please know that we are here for you in any way we can. Time is not important, be it day or night or weeks or months. What is important is that I understand where you are and know that God puts people in our lives when we need them most. Know that I am here for you Kim in any way I can.
Love, Dee Dee Mason Yoder adce@charter.net
It's hard to beleive that a whole year gone by since Brian passed. I still think so many fond thoughts and continue to wish his family all the happiness they deserve. What a wonderul man. He continues to remind me of the good things God gives us.
With Love,
Amanda Mote
wow, I came across this blog by total accident. I was trying to find out why my pug was so itchy, & it brought me here. My mother, Janet Turcotte passed from colon cancer September 20, 2007. It was a long fought battle, but still such a quick ending. I am sure they communicated on the colon list serve...they seemed like they would have been friends. She was an amazing woman & an advocate until the end, appearing on CNN & participating in the Call on Congress even though the neuropathy from her Chemo was so intense and painful in her feet that she could barely walk. Your Brian was amazing, and I am sure very missed...please consider participating in the annual Scope it Out 5k held in D.C., it was held in her honor last year/ I have been crying reading his blog all night in a hotel room with my 3 little ones...God Bless
Thank you for keeping Joe's blog up. I found as a wonderful resource as I start my own journey down the same path.
Just thinking of Brian again the other day and decided to check to make sure his blog is still up for us to read when we need/want to. He was an inspiration for so many! Please keep this online for the future so that we can all go back and remember him!
Love,
Stuart and Zoe Ann
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