Today is Brent's birthday! We're the same age. Technically, I am 2 days older and he usually gives me grief (interesting cliche) for it but this time, thoughtfully, did not. I DO enjoy the way he teases me - it often makes me laugh or smile but I always appreciate his attention. It helps us not take ourselves too seriously, which we have a tendency to do. BJ learned a long time ago about teasing - he was a natural, just like his dad.

Brent and I were a case of what you might call "love at first sight." We met and married within 6 months; now going on 23 years. Our only defense with our children has been that we were both college graduates at the time.

I am so thankful for a strong husband that shows emotion, laughs a lot and loves me even when I do not act very lovable. I'm grateful he loves Jesus with all his heart, knows scripture and teaches it well, with words and with his life. He's been instrumental in bringing many young people to Christ and continued to be a mentor to others, some of which are now 20 something... or 30 something? Is it possible? As you have seen with his writings, he is poetic, profound and passionate. I love him more every day.

No couple wants to dare think of going through the loss of a child together, and we have been warned that it tends to tear families apart. We can see how with the different ways we grieve. So far the plan is to talk it out and pray to be there for each other, including the girls.

BJ didn't really care what they did together, as long as Dad was there: skiing, can't wait; camping, sure; hiking, OK; tree sliding, now you're talking! You see, BJ really got his "dare devil" streak from his Dad! The no fear, I'm invincible policy all the way. He also had his tendency to pick other people's noses... Or break them (Tracy, we all know it was an accident!) BJ even giggled when he was in trouble like Brent used to do when he was a boy (a nervous reaction, or so they claim.) Yes, the apple doesn't fall far...

Brent has anxiety over rushing BJ. Brent likes to be punctual; it is respectful and thoughtful to be on time. It's a parental responsibility to teach their children these things. And those who know BJ know he was on his own time table, and perhaps was a reaction to his dad in taking his time about doing everything. We're ready to walk out the door and all he has to do is put his shoes on... you can imagine, Brent and I are waiting in the car wondering why BJ is taking so long? Didn't he just have to put his shoes on? Oh how we wish we could wait on him now. The Awestar students let us in on him "decorating" his PB & J "squeezer" sandwiches with maticulous care while everyone else is finished with lunch. In Peru, BJ even continued to share with people until the very last minute and leaders are calling for him to come on before the bus pulls away without him. We are a time conscious society, aren't we? Will we learn to slow down from BJ too?

Honey, I'm rambling now and probably not making this any easier for you other than to say, you are BJ's hero and inspiration. We have written evidence in his journals. He listened to you and valued, even savored what you had to say. He learned how to share Jesus from watching you! He became a missionary because of the fervor for Christ he saw in you. You set the standard, you were BJ's human example. Have a wonderful birthday,
Your bay