Monday, October 30, 2017

Lessons I've Learned From the Life of My Son V

My October baby. Buck in a parade, age 3

Westbrook Elementary Balloon Release
in Buck's Memory
Six years ago today, October 30, 2011, Thomas and I were invited to Westbrook Elementary School for a memorial in honor of Buck. Just ten days had passed since the wreck and this was our first time back to the school. It would've been Buck's 9th birthday. All of the 3rd-grade kids and teachers gathered outside. We were told we could say anything we wanted to these precious children who were missing their friend very much. What an opportunity God gave us that day! We did not take it lightly. I honestly cannot remember everything I said, but I do remember one thing specifically. "Buck isn't gone forever, he has moved. He moved so far away that it's just too far to go visit, but one day we can all go and live where he is!" #seedsofredemption

The school principal was so kind and spoke to the children. "After a week of listening to you talk about Buck, here are the top 5 things you all said about him."
  1. He was a good friend
  2. He was good at football
  3. He helped me with my schoolwork
  4. He made me laugh
  5. He talked about heaven

She then turned to me and Thomas and said, "We the teachers and children of this school, commit to continue Buck's legacy and do the things he did. We want them to continue on!" Way to go son. #makeadifference


Fall conference, 2009, God had laid a message on my heart for the ladies. As I began my opening remarks, I noticed Buck slowly coming up the side of the platform. You could hear the "aaaaawe's" ripple across the crowd as he was carrying a bouquet of roses. I turned and leaned down very happily accepting the unexpected gift. "Thank you Son!" I grinned and hugged him. He half smiled, slightly shrugged and then said, "It was dad's idea!" LOL! #honestyisalwaysbest #somestimesitshilarious


We have all had family members pass away and we remember the last words we said to them. I certainly think about that, but more than that, I like to dwell on what my first words will be when I see them again! Buck is in my past, but he’s also in my future. At any moment Jesus could come back and take us all to heaven to be together forever. Every day I live in expectancy of that moment. When I think about that reunion day, I recall a special memory I have with my son. It was bedtime two nights before the wreck.

Buck and I had a pretty regular routine of reading out of a “chapter book” and then his Bible or kids devotional book. We would then pray and usually I would put on some music for him to go to sleep by. Now Buck was a big boy for his 8 almost 9 years and he loved playing rough tough football, but he was a big teddy bear that still wanted to snuggle occasionally. It wasn’t uncommon when I had turned on his music, for him to ask me to lay down with him for a little bit. Sometimes I would and other times I wouldn’t. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to, but more than once I’d fallen asleep and woke up at like 3 a.m., dishes and laundry etc., undone, but that was ok too.

Well on this particular Tuesday night he made his request and I agreed. Just as I lay down, he cuddled up to me, all comfy. When we were settled in nice and still Buck sighed and whispered, “I wish this moment would never end.”  I smiled to myself contentedly and had to agree it felt pretty perfect.

So one day soon I’ll see Buck again and with a smile, I’ll say, “Son, this moment will never end!”  #togetherforever



“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”


I Thessalonians 4:16 & 17

I have to end today's blog with a smile!! #multitask


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