Recently, Deanna, Brad (my brother) and I were at a Christian bookstore. It was one of Beej's favorite places to frequent. He enjoyed pouring over their books, cd's, Bible translations, etc. I remember taking him to that same store before he left for his Peru trip this summer. He was asking for 2 cd's. I compromised with him, and got him one, and told him upon his return we'd get the other one.

While in Peru, someone took all of his cd's...yes, including the new one. His attitude about it was encouraging. He was unconcerned, though disappointed. He knew why they were there, and wasn't going to be distracted by something as petty as losing material possessions. He knew he could begin to rebuild his collection when he returned home.

He did just that. He had begun to pull together, through various means, his favorites. He had grown very fond of Billy and Cindy Foote's "Not a god." He listened to it a great deal while he worshipped in the quiet of his room. Interestingly, while we were in the hospital, and once again his cd's were taken, this one had been left home in his stereo.

We have been ministered to so deeply by them, through their cd's and their leading worship at his "Celebration of Life." It is so amazing how God is in the small, seemingly insignificant details of life. Lord, I praise You for caring about the "little things."

While wandering somewhat purposefully through the aisles of the Christian bookstore, I tried to remember what the second cd was that Beej wanted...but I couldn't recall. Frustrated, I returned to where Deanna and Brad were. Looking at "Willow Tree" figurines.

Our friend Carol collects them. While in the hospital, people started giving them to Deanna as a gift. She was enthused about it since she had seen them at Carol's. Deanna's favorite is called "Heart of Gold," which was given to us in BJ's memory. You see, it is a young lad (who resembles Beej) holding a gold heart up to his chin, in both hands. It was very moving when she received it (Thank you Michelle K).

While standing there taking in all of the different figurines, I was moved by the emotional tug of each one (not a bad marketing strategy). Then my eyes found one high on an upper shelf. I strained to see (yes I am short) what it was called. When I saw the title, I cannot explain what happened other than to say I had a physiological reaction to one of those "little things." It was titled "Mother and Son."

Oh, how much we miss him!

dad