This season as we continue to reflect on the ultimate gift given to us, I want to share a gift Deanna and I received for our birthdays. My sister Lisa, stumbled across a company in North Carolina that makes unique gifts.

We went out for our special days, to a restaurant in Indianapolis. My mother, brother, sister (Lisa) and her husband, and Whitney were each in attendance with us. They came bearing gifts. It was a precious evening (not because of the gifts, alone).

When we opened Lisa's, we were stunned to silence and yes, tears (I know you are shocked). When the giftwrap was torn off, and the box pulled apart, our eyes beheld a throw blanket, or afghan. It was roughly, 4'x6'. On it was a much larger than life representation of Beej playing the guitar. A picture you can still click to see on this website. We were amazed. Never had we seen anything like this.

The threads weaved into this piece of our hearts were colored very similarly to the actual. You can even see the nametag that hangs around his neck. The farther you are from the throw, the clearer the picture. It is simply uncanny.

Obviously, we were tremeandously blessed. For now, it adorns the foot of our bed, so that every time we walk into our room. He is the first thing we see...and he is bigger than he has ever been. Thank you Lisa!

During a season where the love of others brings much needed warmth to our hearts and bodies, I was reminded of a writing in Beej's personal journal. This one is very special to me... for obvious reasons. I believe you will understand.

"July 9th, 2004

I was sick tonight. I can't imagine what I would do if it happened at any other time than now, because for the first time in my life, I was able to focus on and turn to God as scripture came to my mind and comforted me, like Revelations 21:4, and Philippians 1: 21-24.

Also, I most missed my dad tonight, as I was miserable and hurling my guts out. I wanted him to be there to hold me in his arms and feel his warmth. But then, a comforting thought came to my mind, and I almost cried: My Daddy was there with me and wanted to gather me up in His arms and hold me, that is, God. He got me through it."

I continue to be so moved by this account. When I first read it, after he passed, I came apart. Read the passages of scripture. What the Lord brought to his mind in a time of desperation was a warmth, a balm I could not give. His reliance on the Savior is vivid. His cry for his daddy on earth was quickly replaced by his need and provision from the Father in Heaven.

I was jealous for a fleeting moment, and then I felt the warmth and comfort of my Father as well. He has been "gathered up in His arms," and I praise the Lord for his presence with Christ!

For now, we will wrap up in the "picture of Beej." We have been doing so mentally, and emotionally, and now we can do so physically. We are blessed!

dad

(Lisa [not my sister] thank you for your faithfulness to our Lord, and your encouraging blog! We are praying...)