The angels came for Brian this evening shortly after 5...fitting that he has carried his cross for so long, that he has stumbled with the weight, yet continued to believe...fitting that he slipped into the arms of our Lord on Good Friday. I decided to move Brian into our bed this morning. I knew as the day wore on that things were changing drastically. Phillip and Denise, Todd and Jamie, Rachel, Amberlea, Tye, Brian's Grandma Rogers and Aunt Doreen, along with some of my family, all had the chance to say goodbye today. Amberlea crawled up on the bed and read Brian the first book he ever read her, Guess How Much I Love You (which is where Brian and I started saying...love you to the moon, and back). Then she came back and asked how long it took her to read it, and if I thought it was ok for her to count it on her log for school...ha. Brian always wanted Amberlea to get in all of her minutes!
The girls were getting ready to go to an Easter dinner tonight, when I decided that I thought Brian was ready. I felt almost rushed to get the kids out of the house. Rachel and Amberlea kissed him goodbye and headed out. A friend was on the way to get Tye. I hollered for Tye to come kiss Daddy one more time. He hopped up on our bed, kissed Brian 3 times on the nose, and said I love you Daddy. Then he hopped down and left the room to head down the steps and out the door. The second he got down, I pulled Brian into my arms and he just slipped away. Tye probably wasn't even out the door.
Fitting that Tye would be the last to kiss him...fitting that he would die in my arms.
I will write more, you know I will. I just need to stop for now.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
23 comments:
Dear Jenni,
My heart aches for you and all the Halley family tonight, although I know that Brian's struggles are over and he's finally at peace. May God's love guide and comfort you all in the coming days.
Kathie from MPIP
Jenni,
My heart is heavy for you and the kids and yet lightened for Brian as he celebrates Easter with God. How truly blessed you have been to have each other through this life altering journey. You are a testiment to the love and faith that the two of you declared on your wedding date. Please remember that we are still here for you and the kids. Your journey is continuing but has turned to a different path. Please remember that God has wrapped his arms around you and your family and will continue to until you and Brian meet again.
Pat Kinman and family
Dear Jenni,
There are no words that can express our thoughts and prayers for you and your family tonight. However,there are MANY words that come to mind when thinking about you and Brian during this battle...faith,courage,strength, hope, love, inspiration....and so many others. Again, please know that there are so many people who are and will continue praying for you and your family.
Suzanne
May you have peace, comfort and love in the coming days - hugs & blessings - g
And He will raise you up on Eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand. (On Eagle's Wings by Michael Joncas).
fiddlish and family
Jenni, I have followed Brian's battle for a long time now. I am glad for him that he is at peace - no more pain, anxiety or illness. May God bring comfort to you and your children and the rest of the family who Brian left behind.
Rest assured that you now have a special guardian angel to watch over you and the children.
Take care - Liz from MPIP
Jenni...
You are so blessed you had Brian at home with you and the family. He has no pain or sorrow, and is in heaven. God bless you and your family. You truly are an Angel, keep your faith.
God Bless YOU from Putnam County
Dear Jenni,
Karis called me this morning (Japan time) and told me the news. My heart aches for you and the children yet I am grateful that Brian is not suffering anymore and has found grace in God's arms. We have been praying for your family and will continue to throughout your journey. May you find some peace and comfort in the coming days and God bless you and your family.
Jodie Spencer and family
Jenni
Take pride with what a loving wife, and caretaker you have been.
you have opened up your life and heart for all to witness and what we all have seen is your total love, caring and grace that you have given Brian.
Honor his life, a loving husband, father, son, true warrior. His long hard battle was to allow you time to build the strength that you will need as the mother of your children.
The sky is brighter with one more brilliant star amongst the heavens.
A healing hug for you my friend
I wish you all the best, and pray that peace instills into your heart.
In friendship and with compassion
Jane (operationsunshield)
Jenni,
I am so sorry. My heart hurts and I sit here crying for you and the children. May you find the peace that God will give you and to know that Brrian is at peace. Words seem hollow at this time. My love to you.
Suzan
Dear Jenni,
I read your blog last night and could only cry and pray with you from afar. You and all your family will continue to be in my prayers throughout the days ahead. You have shown Brian such amazing love, care, tenderness, respect, gentleness, and the other fruit of the Spirit that are taught to us in Galatians 5. I am so sorry for your loss and am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet such a kind and sweet man one day at Ellis Fischel. I pray that the Lord will be your comfort and strength.
Your friend,
Anita
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Jenni,
There must be a party going on in Heaven. Everyone is eating Twinkies. For sure, there will be much laughter with the addition of Brian. Our sadness will be not to have him around here. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and Brian's family. Peace. DB
Jenni & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this season of dying and rebirth. We also pray that your faith is a source of strength for your family to draw on. Always know that so many love and are praying for you and the kids!
Adam, Tiffany, Bryson and Maddyx Kirkland
I PRAISE GOD THAT BRIAN IS NOW IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. HIS PAIN AND SUFFERING IS OVER. I KNOW IN A WAY YOU ARE RELIEVED BUT YOUR HEART LONGS FOR HIM. DON'T FEEL RUSHED AT THIS TIME, GET SOME VERY NEEDED SLEEP TODAY OR TOMORROW.
I KNOW HOW EXHAUSTED YOU ARE. I HAD MY DAD LIVE WITH ME THE LAST YEAR OF HIS LIFE AND HE DIED AT MY HOUSE. IT GOT TO THE POINT YOU FELT LIKE YOU SLEPT FOR SEVERAL HOURS IF YOU GOT 10 OR 15 MINS. OF SLEEP. YOUR BODY HAS BEEN LIVING ON A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS FOR SUCH A LONG TIME, AND ADRENALINE; YOU HAVE BEEN FUNCTIONING ALMOST AS IN A FOG.
YOU HAVE BEEN A FANTASTIC WIFE FOR BRIAN, YOU GET AN A++++ FOR YOUR WEDDING VOWS OF SICKNESS & IN HEALTH. ALSO A BLESSING FROM JESUS. FOR HE SAID "IF YOU DO THIS TO THE LEAST OF THESE YOU HAVE DONE IT UNTO ME" I WILL KEEP YOU AND THE FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS. OH DEAR GOD JUST REACH OUT TO JENNI AND ALL THE FAMILY THROUGH THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND POUR OUT YOUR BLESSINGS UPON THEM. LET FAMILY & FRIENDS GIVE THEM LOVE, FOOD ENCOURAGEMENT AND MONEY TO HELP PAY FOR EXPENCES. DEAR GOD WRAP YOUR ARMS AROUND EACH ONE AND PROVIDE THE THINGS THAT WILL BRING THAT PERSON COMFORT AND STRENGTH. OH LORD LET THEM EACH FEEL YOUR LOVING SPIRT AROUND THEM MORE THEN EVER RIGHT NOW AND LET THEM KNOW YOUR ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR THEM AND WILL ALWAYS BE A PRAYER AWAY. DEAR GOD PROTECT THEM FROM ANYMORE HURTS OR SORROWS FOR A LONG WHILE. IN JESUS NAME AMEN. LOVE AND PRAYERS BEVERLY
Jenni,
My heart is aching for what you are going through. Please remember you are not alone, your faith is so strong, please don't lose it. I know Brian is in a place with no pain, no anxiety. You have done EVERYTHING in your power (and even beyond) to make the best out of the hand you have been dealt. Cancer has taken Brian from this earth, nothing can take away the love you have all shared with and for him. God Bless you ALL.
Jenni,
My prayers will be with you as you mourn the loss of Brian. May you find comfort in knowing that he is heaven and no longer in pain.
Godspeed...
I have been keeping up with Brian's story for quite some time now but have never posted. I never really knew what to say. I still don't, but I want you to know that I am so sorry for your loss. I'm wishing you grace and healing during this difficult time and in the days, months, and years to come.
Jenni - Yes, fitting...but difficult all the same. We love you - and I'll see you Tuesday. Teak
It was with many different emotions I read that your wonderful husband, daddy & son has earned his wings. My prayer each night will be for peace & comfort for your family. Thank you for allowing us to follow your story --for helping to educate us about melanoma and for showing us the best examples of family, love, partnership, commitment, compassion, and unselfishness. God bless you in the days ahead.
From a family in Arizona
Mr. Halley was my teacher and I was one of the people in the last grade to have him, and for that I feel so blessed. He was an amazing teacher and person, and I wish you the best at this time. RIP Mr. Halley
Jenni,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your beautiful family. I pray for peace that only God can give, and for strength both physically and emotionally. My oldest son Kelton had Brian as a teacher and he has told me many wonderful things about him. I am so sorry I haven't written sooner, my mother and Joan Hooppaw told me about this site. May God bless and keep you and your family.
With much love and sympathy,
Julie Fankhauser (Johnson)
Jenni,
I was very sad to hear about your loss of your wonderful husband. I was brought to tears when I read about his passing. I have prayed for your family for a few months and you will continue to be in my prayers.
De Anne Barker
Post a Comment