Brenan Memorial Service Booklet

Hi, everyone! I have a nicely formatted version of Brenan's memorial service to share. It's the printed contents from the memorial service in AZ (the scriptures, songs, reflections, and mediation from Brandon Willett). I did my best (selecting down my LONG list of emails) to send it to all the emails that I have. If, however, I missed you--I would be more than happy to email you a copy. Please EMAIL ME (doremi2u@hotmail.com) rather than replying in the comments here and I will get it sent to you, too.

Thanks to all for the love and thoughts over the last few months! I am so grateful to be done with my student teaching! Elisa and I are headed to Alaska tomorrow. We are *so* excited. I go back to work on August 17th when school starts. I have mixed feelings regarding that--but feel so fortunate to have a job that is only three days a week. I don't know how I would have gotten through the last year without a flexible school job (and a restaurant that was willing to let me go M.I.A. for a few months) I don't plan to go back to the restaurant until the season kicks back in around October.

Love to all! Jess

Let the Training Begin!

It's now August and time to get started on a serious training program for my triathlon in November. As we know from before, getting a good bike is key to being a successful triathlete. We have now reached that goal! One of Brenan's fabulous ideas was to get me a racing bike as a graduation gift. On Saturday, my parents and I finally went out shopping and I came home with what I have to say is a "golden angel" of a bike. The picture here is not my actual bike but this is exactly what it looks like - I just found this photo on the internet as I have not had the opportunity to take any pictures of my bike yet.

Nichole Nordeman--Every Season

Hi, everyone! Just taking a second to check in. I've finished three weeks of student teaching and only have five more days to go. Thank goodness! I can't believe I am almost finished with something that I have been dreading all summer. The kids have been fun but that's about it. I have felt successful in the experience but frustrated that ASU makes you pay so much tuition just to work you to death in a placement where you get limited guidance and learning. Just seems like a waste. But, hey...I guess that the lessons we learn in life aren't always what we were expecting. There's still always something to reflect and learn from. (And I've certainly learned a place that I *don't* want to work and the kind of teacher I *don't* want to be. Go figure!)

I've been thinking a lot lately about all the blessings that Brenan had in his life and the many ways that all of your prayers were answered in bringing him peace and joy. I've been thinking about a list that I want to write of all those things...things that many of you may not necessarily have known about...that show me how God was with us through Brenan's illness. I hope that everyone can feel that God listened to their heartfelt concerns and continues to listen to each of us now as we pray for healing and our own sense of peace. [That list to come in the future. Perhaps you will feel like adding your own thoughts to it as well.]

Until then, one of my favorite videos...reminding everyone that: for every Winter we have in our lives, there is always a Spring to come.

Nichole Nordeman--Every Season

Lyrics:

Every evening sky, an invitation to trace the patterned stars/And early in July, a celebration for freedom that is ours/And I notice You in children's games/In those who watch them from the shade/Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder/You are summer.

And even when the trees have just surrendered to the harvest time/Forfeiting their leaves in late September and sending us inside/Still I notice You when change begins and I am braced for colder winds/I will offer thanks for what has been and what's to come/You are autumn.

And everything in time and under heaven finally falls asleep/Wrapped in blankets white, all creation shivers underneath/And still I notice you when branches crack and in my breath on frosted glass/Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter/You are winter.

And everything that's new has bravely surfaced teaching us to breathe/What was frozen through is newly purposed turning all things green/So it is with You and how You make me new with every season's change/And so it will be as You are re-creating me/Summer, autumn, winter, spring.

Life continues...

Much of our day to day life is somewhat back to "normal", although there is a sadness that looms and a weight on all our shoulders. I'm sure I speak for everyone on this. I got a couple of emails about memories of Brenan - anyone else that wants to talk about a memory of Brenan is more than welcome to post a comment!

Jess and I have plans to go up to Alaska to visit Aunt Lavonne and Uncle Fred in August. We are looking forward to that trip. Brenan had always wanted to see Alaska.

Fundraising for the triathlon is going well and now we are working on buying a racing bike for the new training season which begins on August 1. Brenan had the great idea of getting me a bike as a graduation present back in May so we are still going to work on purchasing a good, fast bike for my races.

Steven Curtis Chapman--Be Still and Know

Hi, all! Just a quick shout out to everyone before I drag my tired brain to bed...

Had to start my 4-week student teaching internship last week (requirement for my masters program). It's with preschoolers so that's been fun but the schedule has been somewhat of a culture shock. I have to *be there* at 7:00 am every morning! Anyone who knows my sleep schedule knows that I am not a morning person. It has put a serious damper on my productivity since I don't have time to do anything at night now. Overall, I've been so exhausted, tearful, and absent-minded. But I am counting the days (15 to go) and looking forward to having it behind me. Thinking of you all--even if I'm not having much time to post anything.

Here's a good video in the meantime...finding videos has brought me a lot of peace and comfort over the last two months. Hopefully, you enjoy them as well.

Steven Curtis Chapman: Be Still and Know

Have a Story?

My mom mentioned the other night that she just wants to hear stories about Brenan. I think it's comforting for us all to know that he's not really gone, he stays alive with our memories and stories about his life - especially before he was diagnosed. I'm going to begin writing the story of Brenan. Of course, it will be more like a book but I'll post here and there with an "excerpt" from Brenan's life. In the mean time, it would be awesome for you all to post comments and tell us a little story or memory you have of Brenan.

Also, in an effort to help me raise money, a family member had bumper stickers created. If you donated money already, or want to donate $5, $10, $20, whatever amount you want, I'd be more than happy to send you a bumper sticker in return. Please email me at elisafitness@hotmail.com and send me your address if you want a sticker.

4th of July

I hope you all had a nice holiday. Having been the first holiday after losing Brenan, I can say it was just as difficult, if not more difficult as these past several weeks have been. Lots of tears were shed as we watched fireworks thinking of Brenan and his patriotism. Dave and I were in San Diego for the weekend and Mom and Dad were able to spend time with Sandy and Jean.