{ smile }

Hangin' In Albuquerque


Hi all, I'm here in Albuquerque with E-bug. The Parkinsons are all here and we honored and celebrated BG's life yesterday at his memorial service. The message was so powerful and motivating. The pastor started the message in Hebrews talking about how Abraham was counted faithful--then went to Genesis to explain his faithfulness to the point of sacrificing his own/only son--that segwayed into Christ's sacrifice and the gospel message. He then went on to explain how BG knew what it menat to be counted faithful. He said the BG could afford to die and followed with a poignant question, "Can YOU afford it?" He said BG's death had got everyone's attention for a reason. God wanted everyone's attention. He said that BG would not have wanted to leave his wife and children...but he could AFFORD it; not because he was perfect but because he had faith in Christ and the salvation from Christ was his. He said that no one was more surprised by BG's death than BG himself! To have gone to sleep saying goodnight to his family and open his eyes in God's presence...just contemplate that for a moment....

There were estimated to be 460 in attendance. The chappel only held 350. More than 100 people stood in the lobby, in overflow and along side the walls of the chappel, the Parkinsons being one of them.

After the service, we proceeded to the burial site. It was park-like and E-bug was able to point out to the children a picnic taking place. The kids were happy to know they could visit this place anytime. The pastor offered up some more scripture and then we went to the reception at the church. The church was decorated with so many fun photos of BG (many of which he had a mullet in). There was food and the Dallas Cowboy's flag was hanging proudly. The same flag that Branch gave the family when they moved away from California.

It was a long day. It was full of tears and laughter, prayers and praise. E-bug's time in the limo with her children and parents (including BG's) was a blessed time. They prayed in transit wherever they went. The Holy Spirit's presence was strong and there was great peace.

At home later that night, we all fell like flies. So much emotion. As the kids started to wind down and go to bed. E-bug was able to talk a bit about the day and the blessings she received. She talked of how humbled she was by all those people. She talked about how BG's death would make an impact on many souls and God would use it to convert more souls. She and A perused the pages of the sign in book and were amazed by the many people who signed but they didn't even see.

This morning started with difficulty again. Many days will. We went to C's soccer game at noon. She had dedicated the game to her father and played hard. The game started on bended knee and a moment of silence for BG. The Parkinson's came to the game along with so many others. It was a huge cheering section for the "Snapping Turtles." After the game, A and C went to lunch with the Parkinsons and others went shopping. It was the first time there was some quiet in the house. It was just E-bug, her dad, friend Ross and myself. She was able to rest some and "be".

After a few hours, the house began to fill with loved ones again and by the evening there was a full on basketball game in the driveway and a soccer game on the grass. There was laughter and playfullness, smiles and joy. I couldn't help but watch and think of how much BG would love it. The sun began to set and we headed inside to prepare the defrosted casseroles.

Dinner is done now, the dishes are put away. The apple pie is half eaten and visitors are saying goodbye. Tonight will be another opportunity to catch up on our sleep. We will wake and go to church in the morning, where I will hopefully have a chance to thank the pastor for his message at the service.

Many loved ones will be leaving tomorow for their homes. Please pray for the safe travel of all. Edie's dad and sister will be headed home for treatments during the week. It has been a long and emotional week filled with grief, praise and dependence. Everyone has leaned on one another. Because of E-bug and BG's various moves, several saints have been joined together from states all over. It has been wonderful to experience the "holy catholic church" as described in the Apostle's Creed.

The Allison's left after the burial by plane. The Parkinson's drove out tonight for Durango. E-bug and the kids were so SO blessed by their presence. I will sign the book with my name and the names of all the branchkins I spoke with that expressed their condolences. Though you were not here in body, I caried you all with me in spirit. Your prayers and words have given me strength and have raised E-bug up so that she can offer praise in the midsts of her grief.

I miss my kids and my hubby but I know I am not quite done here. I have made new friends that will last a lifetime. I have received so many blessings from E-bug's family and BG's. It is easy to see why they are the incredible people that they are.

I apologize for my delay in posting. There has been much to do and recover from...I also have larengitus so I can't really talk on the phone. I look forward to seeing you all when I return. I will bring an audio of the service home and I may even have the video biography with me. I sent an articly home with Mr. Parkinson talking about Matt Napier, friend of BG, who is running the Hawaii Iron Man today in BG's memory. Last we checked he had 9 mi. to go and was in the 500's in terms of place. Amazing. BG was his inspiration for training and becoming involved in races.

I will be in touch. There are some pics here from C's soccer game. The one of C standing in the middle is a fun act of love that her teammates did before giving her a card at the game's end.