In Loving Memory

June 1st of this year, my family lost a dear family member, Brett Ray. Brett was my brother in law who was married to my older sister Laurie. On their fourth wedding anniversary they were out riding dirt bikes in Alaska with my younger brother Michael. On their way home Brett decided to jump a dirt hill. It was just big enough that he did not see that someone was trying to jump it at the same time on the other side of the hill. The other guy was in a razor and ended up hitting Brett directly in the chest which killed him almost instantly. He was only 26 years old! Poor Laurie and Michael saw the whole thing. Even though I do not have a lot of memories of Brett since we lived so far apart from eachother, the memories that I do have are good ones which I hold dear. Brett was young at heart which made him a lot of fun to be around. He was always pulling funny faces and cracking jokes. His happy disposition and kind generosity made him a pleasure to be around. I find myself crying about his loss whenever the subject comes up. I can only imagine what Laurie has been going through since the loss of her best friend and husband. Alan, the Kids, and I were able to go out to his funeral. Me and the Kids stayed a couple weeks with Laurie to help keep her company and to give her love and support. I think my kids drove her batty, but hey, at least they got her mind off of things for a little while.

I think the thing that gives me the most peace and comfort is the knowledge that we have a loving Heavenly Father who is aware of each of us and is with us as we strive to pull threw our trials. We are never alone! I know that he sees the whole picture. He knows the greater purpose to why things happen and the outcome that will follow. He loves each one of us and hates to see us hurt. Laurie we sure do love you and we pray for you often. Don't forget that you are not alone.